Red-breasted flycatcher

　This year, I once again enlisted the help of Mr Kobayashi, the wild bird guide from Ishigaki Island, to visit various observation points.

　He mentioned that this winter has seen a very low number of small birds, particularly thrushes. Nevertheless, I successfully spotted some rare small birds at the points he recommended.

　The red-breasted flycatcher, which is increasingly seen somewhere in Japan each year, though the numbers migrating here remain very low.

　Previously, there was a species called the red-breasted flycatcher, and it was thought there were two subspecies: the red-breasted flycatcher, Flycatcher, inhabiting Europe, and the Taiga flycatcher, migrating to Japan. However, as these two subspecies differ in their call and plumage colour, they are now considered separate species in Japan.

　That said, their winter plumage is remarkably similar. Key distinguishing points include the pale orange colour of the lower mandible and the hue of the feathers covering the rump and base of the tail feathers, known as the upper tail coverts. However, individual variation appears to exist. While vocal differences are considered the most reliable indicator, these too may show individual variation.

　Puzzling over these distinctions – this way or that way – is part of the pleasure for us bird enthusiasts.