Eurasian Siskin (Carduelis spinus) Huang que

(11.5 cm.) Very small; short bill; banded yellow and black wings; adult male has black cap and chin, and yellow on head, rump and base of tail. Female: Duller; more streaked than male; lacking a black cap and chin.

The Eurasian Siskin is a very small and very active member of the finch family, “Fringillidae”. It also falls into the category of “winter finch”, as it is part of a group of finches that breed in the extreme north and generally only visit southern temperate regions during the winter months. All winter finches, including crossbills, siskins and others also follow several year cycles of migration in which they are absent in southern regions for several years and then numerous for one year. These irregular migration patterns are directly related to climatic changes and variable food supplies.

The range of the Eurasian Siskin is separated in two sections through Eurasian One part is in North Europe with the other in North Asia. It is absent from the portion of Russia that separates these two sections. Its summer breeding range includes the extreme northeast of Heilongjiang Province up into Russia. In the winters that it chooses to seek southern climes, it can be found throughout much of east China as far south as Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

Like other winter finches, the Eurasian Siskin is a largely a seed eater which can survive without difficulty at northern latitudes where coniferous forests offer seeds all year long.

This species is always seen feeding high in the trees as it rarely ventures close to the ground. It is quite acrobatic in its search for food in the trees, often hanging upside down in the manner of a tit.

During winters that it ventures south to temperate regions, it will feed from seeds of both coniferous and deciduous trees. In summer, this bird will feed its chicks insects, as the proteins found in animal matter will allow for faster development of their young.

During the winter males and female form pairs that will mate in the coming spring. The birds construct a nest high in the upper branches of coniferous tree, usually a pine. The female lays 2-6 eggs and incubates them herself. The chicks are “nidiculous’, meaning that they remain close to their nests long after hatching remaining dependant on their parents for food.

Photo by Sławek Staszczuk

Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)

(95 cm.)Field marks:  large, long bill and legs, grayish plumage
   苍鹭 – cāng-lù – ‘dark blue heron’

The Grey Heron is one of the largest members of the heron family, “Ardeidae”, in China. It is a widespread species found in Africa and throughout temperate Europe and Asia. Only two other herons in China are of a similar size, the even larger and quite dark Purple Heron and the similarly sized, but all white, Great Egret. The greyish, yellow-billed Grey Heron is quite easy to distinguish from these other large members of its family.

Like all herons, egrets, and bitterns, this species flies with its head retracted to its body in an “s” shape, distinguishing it from other large flying waders such as storks and cranes.

The Grey Heron is a voracious eater armed with a lethal, dagger-like bill, and it wreaks havoc on the aquatic life of its watery habitat. It is not picky about the food it consumes and will snatch frogs, lizards, insects, fish, snakes, plovers, ducklings, and other small birds and their chicks. This species is usually a solitary hunter which usually stands in the shallow water of streams, lakes and ponds waiting motionlessly for prey to stray within striking range. They will also actively stalk other prey choices.

Like all herons, this species is a colony nester. It builds a solid and bulky nest of sticks which is situated in a tree close to the edge of a lake, marsh, or even a seaside.

The Grey Heron is described as locally common throughout its large range, meaning that in certain locations the bird may be uncommon or even rare, while in other places it is a common sight and easily found. 

Photo by JJ Harrison



Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus) Fengtou piti

(50 cm.) Large; slender neck; conspicuous dark crest; whitish underparts; grayish-brown upperparts.

The Great Crested Grebe is a largest member of the grebe family, “Podicipedidae” found in China. It is about twice the size of the smallest Chinese grebe, the Little Grebe.  It is a handsome waterbird named for the prominent tufts of feathers on the head.

This bird is widespread through China and is found everywhere in the country at some time of year except for the extreme tip of “dongbei” and the western desert regions. In the breeding season it is found throughout the northern half of the country. In winter, it is found along the East Coast from around Dalian south to Hong Kong and inland through most of the southeast.

The Great Crested Grebe can be found in freshwater lakes during the summer breeding season and in freshwater and saltwater environments, especially along the seasides of eastern China in winter.

Like other grebes, this species feeds primarily on fish, but it will also eat crustaceans, insects and frogs. It is capable of deep dives underwater to pursue fish and other aquatic creatures.

All grebes are supremely adapted for life in the water which makes them ill equipped to move on land. For example, a grebe’s leg is set far back near the rump. This adaptation aids in swimming, but makes walking on land a near impossibility. All grebes nest directly beside water to avoid the necessity of land movement.

Several grebe species have elaborate courtship displays, and the Great Crested Grebe is no exception. In the freshwater lakes of their summer breeding grounds, these birds put on a dance performance of great artistry. A pair of birds face each other and lift their bodies out of the water while nodding their heads up and down, often while holding vegetation in their bills.

A typical brood consists of two eggs. When the chicks hatch, each parent will identify a favorite chick and take sole responsibility for the raising that chick.

Photo by Dick Daniels

Crested Mynah (Acridotheres cristatellus)

(26 cm.) All black; prominent crest; white patches in wings easily seen in flight

The Crested Mynah is a large member of the starling family, “Sturnidae”. It is the only mynah species which can be found in the temperate portion of China. Other mynah species are birds of the tropics, requiring the hot temperatures that these latitudes provide. The small flocks of Crested Mynahs this writer sees in Qingdao’s parks may be the northernmost colony of this species in the country.

This species gets its name from its prominent crest, a feature which other Asian mynah species lack. Its uniform black coloration and conspicuous white wing patches are also signature markings.

Many birds of this species are trapped and sold on the caged bird market in this country. They are popular cage birds due to their unique vocal abilities including a talent for mimicry. Caged birds can be taught to speak human words without little difficulty. Of course, the birds cannot understand the meanings of the words they speak, but their human owners enjoy listening to them, anyway. In nature, mynahs will imitate the calls of other bird species.

The Crested Mynah is a bird of open country such as farmland, field, and pasture. Its love of this habitat makes it an ideal urban dweller. City parks and gardens offer this bird just this kind of habitat.

This bird, like all members of the starling family, is an omnivore which will subsist on primarily fruits, insects and other small invertebrates. This species will usually be found strutting on the ground in search of food in parks and gardens in urban areas.

Photo by Brian Westland

Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago) Shanwei shazhui

(26 cm.) Long thin bill; stripes on face; eye stripe; dark brown streaked upperparts; light brown streaked underparts; very erratic flight; noisy, calls often in alarm.

The Common Snipe is a common bird in China which is rarely seen and little known. Its lack of fame can be attributed to its elusive lifestyle and seeming complete lack of comfort in the presence of humans.

When this bird is disturbed by a human presence, it will sit motionless blending in with its surroundings with its well camouflaged plumage. If approached too closely, it will fly off making a distinctive “snape, snape” call. It flies with a strange zig-zag pattern which is a defense to confuse predators. It is usually when the bird is flying away that the human observer first has a chance to notice the bird. Only birdwatchers that are specifically looking for this bird, will ever get a chance to properly observe one.

The Common Snipe is a member of the family, “Scolopacidae”, a very large family of birds like snipes such as sandpipers, curlews, stints and tattles. All members of this family have long legs, pointed wings and long bills. Usually these birds are found on beaches, mudflats, or in shallow rivers where they use their long bills to probe for aquatic animals.

The Common Snipe’s diet consists largely of earthworms and insects which they probe for with their long bills in the marshes and bogs which constitute their favorite habitats. During migration, they can be found in city parks which offer the swampy conditions they like.

During the breeding season, the male snipe attracts a mate by flying high in the sky in a circular fashion and then diving, which produces a goat-like squeal as wind rushes through the snipe’s tail feathers. This elaborate display is called, winnowing”. The Common Snipe’s name in many languages around the world translates as “flying goat.”

The female lays four eggs in a well hidden nest on the ground. When the eggs hatch, the snipe chicks are cared for by both parents. Like other members of the Scolopacidae family, snipe chicks develop and achieve independence quickly.

Photo by Sean Breazeal

Dusky Thrush (Turdus eunomos)

(25 cm.) Heavily patterned black and white; reddish-brown wing linings; broad reddish-brown wing patch

The Dusky Thrush is one member of a large family of sweet singing birds, the thrushes, of the family, “turdidae”. Thrushes throughout the world are considered among the most gifted of avian singers, with their beautiful, rich flute-like warbling. Many thrush species in China are also gifted musical performers, with the Song Thrush as perhaps the most gifted of the clan.

The Dusky Thrush is also quite musical, performing its simple whistled song many times from the time it sets off on its spring migration north through the breeding season in mid- summer.

Thrushes and other species of songbirds sing not only to attract a mate, but also to set up territories during the annual summer breeding season. Each pair of birds of a particular species needs several square kilometers of space in a particular location from which they build nests and have exclusive food-gathering rights. The maintenance of strict territories ensures that chicks raised by parent birds of a particular species will have rights to the necessary resources for their survival.

The Dusky Thrush song is not often heard in China, however, as its breeding range is the far north of Russia. This bird seeks out grassy fields, pastures, and similar open country with scattered trees as its preferred habitat. The female lays 3-5 eggs in a rather messy-looking nest.

Following the breeding season, Dusky Thrushes will migrate south and spend the winters in central and south China and Southeast Asia. It is during the winter that the Chinese observer will most often have the opportunity to glimpse this handsome bird in city parks. This bird is quite common and can be readily found in southeast China during the winter  months.

The Dusky Thrush is another versatile omnivore that is fond of insects, especially mosquitoes, and berries.

Photo by Brian Westland

Chinese Pond Heron (Ardeola Bacchus)

(47 cm.) Breeding season: Small heron; white wings; head, neck and breast dark brown; white underparts Winter: Heavily streaked brown heron; white with brown back in flight

The Chinese Pond Heron is one of a large family of mostly freshwater birds, “Ardeidae”, that includes many long-legged species such as herons, egrets and bitterns that stalk fish and other aquatic species in rivers, ponds, and lakes. All members of this family are closely related and share similar habits of living despite often being called “herons” or “egrets” or “bitterns”. All these birds are equipped with adaptations that allow them to be successful hunters in their watery habitats such as long necks and long sharp bills that they use to spear fish, frogs, lizards and other species of vertebrate and invertebrate prey.

Herons can easily be confused with other long-legged bird species such as cranes, ibises, and storks, but they do have generally sharper, more dagger-like bills, and in flight, herons pull their necks in towards their bodies, while these other birds fly with necks stretched out.

The Chinese Pond Heron, although large, is a medium-sized bird of its family. Some members of the family such as the Grey Heron is 92 cm. long. It is called a “pond heron”  due to its particular fondness for ponds as hunting grounds. In China, it is often found in the rice fields of the south.

The Chinese Pond Heron is a striking bird in the breeding season with a dark brown head and neck contrasting with its white breast and belly and blue back.

This bird will frequent both fresh and salt water ponds and wetlands. This species' diet consists of the fish, insects and crustaceans.

This species, like other herons, is a community nester in the breeding season. It forms loose colonies of nesting birds often including other species of herons. These community nesting places are often called, “heronries” The female Chinese Pond Heron usually lays a clutch of 3-6 blue-green eggs. The breeding range consists of the eastern half of China from approximately Jilin Province in the north to around Fujian Province in the south and extending westwards to Sichuan Province

Photo by Brian Westland

Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo)

(55 cm.) Large; Upperparts dark reddish-brown; brown “mustache’”; underparts whitish; In flight: wide, rounded wings; white patch near the base of primary feathers; usually has a black bar near tip of tail

The Common Buzzard is a large “bird of prey”. It is one of several species of hunting birds with certain adaptations for the killing of other birds, reptiles, and small mammals. Birds of prey are all armed with sharp, powerful claws on their feet called, “talons”. It is the talons of these birds that usually perform the killing task.  All birds of prey also have sharply hooked bills designed by nature for tearing flesh. Eagles, buzzards, falcons, ospreys, and owls are all considered birds of prey. At times, these birds are also called, “Raptors”

The Common Buzzard and other Raptors which share the genus, “Buteo”, are referred to individually as “hawks” in North America, or “Buteos” as a group. These birds are usually called “buzzards” in Europe and Asia.

All buzzards are fairly large Raptors with broad bodies, wings, and tails. They are usually seen soaring in the skies overhead floating in the air without much movement of their wings. All buzzards are masters of this energy-conserving mode of flight. In summer, the heated air rising from the ground can allow these birds to soar for several hours without any movement of their wings.

Although many colloquial names are given to raptors in different parts of the world, their scientific names are standardized world-wide. The Common Buzzard, along with other buzzards, eagles and vultures are all part of the family, “Accipitrinae”.

The Common Buzzard, as its name suggests, is a common member of its family, and indeed it is a common sight in the skies along the East Coast of China during its spring and fall migrations. It is large buzzard that can be identified from below by its very broad and rounded wings. Other eastern buzzards have thinner wings and more square-shaped wings. This bird is a master of soaring and it is often seen to hover in one spot.

This species breeds in coniferous forests in the northeast provinces of the country and winters in the south central part of China from around Shanghai in the north down to Hainan, Hong Kong and Taiwan.



Photo by Dick Daniels



Japanese White-eye (Zosterops japonicus)

(10 cm.) Small; green-olive upperparts; white eye-ring; yellow throat and vent

The Japanese White-eye is the most common of three white-eye species that occur in China. All white-eyes are named, not surprisingly, for the conspicuous white eye rings that each member of the family possesses. China is home to several other small songbirds, however, that also possess white eye rings such as several species of flycatcher, so one should not automatically assume that any bird with an eye ring is a member of this family.

The Japanese White-eye, like other members of its family, “Zosteropidae,” the white-eyes, is an omnivore with a varied diet. The birds will take insects and fruits and will even visit flowers to take nectar.

This species is extremely active, and like many warblers, it is often difficult to observe due to the hyperactive pace it sets. Fortunately, its broad eye ring and yellow body are easily noted, and it is very quickly identifiable.

Of the three white-eye species which occur in China, only two inhabit the eastern part of the country, the Japanese White-eye and its close cousin, the Chestnut-flanked White-eye. The species look alike, however, the Chestnut-flanked White-eye has very obvious brown stripes on its sides, so distinguishing the two species is not difficult. Sometimes, these two species will flock together.

The Japanese White-eye builds a cup-shaped nest made of a variety of building materials such as hair, spider webs, moss and lichen. It will even steal materials from the nests of other birds.

This bird is admirable for its beauty as well as its role in helping to control insect populations. In 1929, it was introduced to Hawaii in an attempt by authorities there to control insect populations on that ecologically-challenged group of islands.

Japanese White-eye (Photo by Dick Daniels)

Japanese White-eye (Photo by Dick Daniels)

Russet Sparrow (Passer rutilans) Shan maque

(14-15 cm.) Male: Bright cinnamon crown and upperparts; black streaks on back; black throat; whitish cheeks. Female: dark brown upperparts; two conspicuous eye-stripes-one white, one dark

The Russet Sparrow is a chunky bird which looks much like any typical sparrow. In fact, its markings are very much like its close cousin, the much more ubiquitous, Eurasian House Sparrow. However, the male of this species bears plumage which is a shade of brown not often seen in sparrows, bright cinnamon. The striking bright cinnamon of the male Russet Sparrow’s back is a diagnostic marking that makes for quick identification in the field. Accordingly, the Russet Sparrow is often called the “Cinnamon Sparrow” or “Cinnamon Tree Sparrow.” Like all old world sparrows, this species is a member of the family, “Passeridae.”

As with many songbirds, this species exhibits “sexual dimorphism” in its plumage, as the males look much different than the females. In the case of songbirds, this means that the males are far more colorful and more attractive than the females.

The Chinese range of the Russet Sparrow comprises most of its world-wide range. It is found in the eastern half of China from Hong Kong and Taiwan as far north as the Shandong peninsula, and in Korea and Japan in the East and Northern India in the West. Throughout most of its Chinese range, the Russet Sparrow is a resident bird. It is a summer breeding visitor in the northern parts of its Chinese range.

The Russet Sparrow is a bird of open woodland and scrub near cultivation. In places where Eurasian Tree Sparrows are scarce, the Russet Sparrow can fill that bird’s niche in cities and villages.

The Russet Sparrow’s diet consists of mostly seeds which it collects while foraging on the ground like the Eurasian Tree Sparrow. In agricultural areas, this species can become a pest as it will damage grain crops through feeding; however, it will also so kill and collect many insect pests that damage crops to feed to its growing chicks.

During the breeding season, the male Russet Sparrow will choose a nesting site from which he will perform his courtship display. He will bob his head and puff his chest at passing females and eventually bow to a prospective mate in true Asian style. When a female accepts his advances, the pair of birds will build a nest in a tree cavity which is usually the abandoned nest of a woodpecker. The female will lay 5-6 glossy-white eggs.  In the northern parts of their breeding range, Russet Sparrows show a fondness for high altitudes as nesting sites.

Photo by JM Garg

Orange-flanked Bush Robin (Tarsiger cyanurus)

(13 cm.) Male: Blue upperparts; orange flanks; white underparts; white eye-line. Female: uniformly grey-brown upperparts; orange flanks; blue tail; white throat and underparts.

The Orange-flanked Bush Robin is a small, brightly colored and delightfully tame species of songbird that is a common sight among the bushes of city parks and gardens. It is a delight to encounter due to its usually friendly disposition, allowing humans to approach within close range before flying off.

This species gets in name from the orange stripes along its sides, or “flanks.” The male of the species is a beautiful bird with a deep blue back and tail, orange flanks, and white under parts. The female of the species is grayish-brown with a blue tail and the diagnostic orange flanks. This stark difference in coloration between males and females is typical of the bird’s family.

The Orange-flanked Bush Robin is a member of the family, “Mucacipidae,” with other robins and flycatchers. Like all members of this family, this species is an insectivore. This species can usually be found low in bushes or on the ground in search of its favorite food.

This is another very widespread species that breeds as throughout much of East Asia as far west as Finland and reaching Japan in its easternmost range. In China, its breeding range is limited to Heilongjiang and Jilin provinces. During the breeding season, the Orange-flanked Bush Robin is found nesting in mixed coniferous forests. The nest is usually on or near the ground and will contain 3-5 eggs which are incubated by the female.

With the completion of its breeding, the Orange-flanked Bush Robin will begin its long trek to its southern wintering grounds in South and Central China and Southeast Asia. In winter, this bird can be found as far north as Shanghai.

Orange-flanked Bush Robin (Photo by Brian Westland)

Large-billed Crow (Corvus macrorhynchos)

(50 cm.) Glossy black; long heavy bill; square tail.

The Large-billed Crow, often referred to as the “Jungle Crow,” is another member of the family, “Corvidae,” which includes jays and magpies. It is a typical family member in many ways. Like magpies, jays and other crows, it is an omnivore which can consume just about anything. This bird is also highly intelligent, so much so, that it has even been credited with tool-using intelligence. It is an aggressive bird that will readily resort to predation as a food gathering technique. As this bird is an omnivore, one could argue that its predation is unnecessary behavior.

In China, the crow is considered a sign of bad luck. Its close cousin, the Black-billed Magpie, is considered as a sign of good luck and is often called, the “lucky bird.” However, the bad luck tag could easily be attached to both these species as they share some nasty personality traits.

The Large-billed Crow has been tagged as the bird species most likely to attack and kill live domestic chickens. It will also kill other bird species and other small vertebrates such as small mammals.

In addition to the prey items that constitute a large part of its diet, the Large-billed Crow consumes a wide variety of animal and plant matter, both living and dead. This tremendous versatility in diet has allowed this species to be very adaptable and settle in places where they can quickly become a nuisance to local people and wildlife.

As could be expected for such an adaptable bird, the Large-billed Crow is a very widespread species, and is found from eastern China to as far west as Iran. Its range in the south extends as far as the Philippines. Due to its great versatility in diet, the bird has no need to migrate.

During the breeding season, this species builds a platform nest of sticks which is set high in a tree. It seems to prefer fir or pine trees as a nesting site. The female lays 4-5 eggs.

Large-billed Crows often gather in large groups at nighttime roosting sites. At times, especially during the non-breeding season, thousands of these birds can be found at a single roosting site.

Large-billed Crow (Photo by JM Garg)

Long-tailed Tit (Aegithalos caudatus)

(16 cm.) Small; black bill; tiny body; very long tail with white edges; different races vary in color pattern

The Long-tailed Tit, due to its elongated tail and conical bill is placed in a separate family, “Aegithalidae,” from other tit species such as the Great Tit. The other members of the Long-tailed Tit’s family are all birds which possess long tails.

The Long-tailed Tit is a common bird in Europe and Asia and several races exist that vary in appearance. Individuals from all races are easily recognizable as members of this species, however. In China, this bird is a non-migratory resident species that lives only in the eastern half of the country from Heilongjiang province in the North to around Shanghai in the South.

All tits species, regardless of which family they are placed in, are very active and acrobatic birds which can usually be found amid the boughs of trees foraging for insects and seeds. Tits are generally non-migratory birds due to their omnivorous diets and their ability to switch to vegetarian mode in winter, if needed. As a result, tits, and their North American cousins, the chickadees, are birds which are often found at far northern latitudes in wintertime. Birders are grateful that these cheerful and usually quite tame little creatures are present during the cold winter months.

Unlike most tits, the Long-tailed Tit is primarily an insect eater throughout the year and will only resort to taking other foods should insects be unavailable.

This Long-tailed Tit favors deciduous or mixed woodlands as its habitat. In winter, it prefers deciduous forests that can still yield insects.

Due to the small size of its body, this bird is susceptible to extreme cold in wintertime. During extremely cold spells, the majority of the Long-tailed Tit population in a particular location may perish. However, the remaining birds are able to breed prodigiously in the following months to replace the loss.

Long-tailed Tit (Photo by Nigel Wedge)

Great Tit (Parus major)

(14 cm.) head and throat black, white cheek, black band through breast.


The Great Tit is another widely-distributed bird species that is found throughout Europe and Asia. It is also a very common species throughout its range and is familiar to many people. The Great Tit was once considered a single species with several subspecies throughout its range, but recent scientific studies have suggested that the bird we see in Asia should be referred to as the “Japanese Tit” and that the birds found in Europe should be referred to as the “Cinerous Tit”. Ornithologists are still arguing about this new division of the species, so the name “Great Tit” will suffice for our purposes.

The scientific name of this species, “Parus major,” means “large tit,” and certainly this species is the largest member of its family. All tits, however, are small songbirds. They are all active omnivores that feed primarily on insects during the spring and summer months and seeds during the winter.

In Europe and North America tits are frequent visitors to feeding stations maintained by bird-lovers and are well-loved by all people for their tameness and willingness to trust humans. They often eat from the hands of people patient enough to earn their trust. Their high level of comfort with people has made them one of the best-studied group of birds in the world.

The Great Tit inhabits a large variety of habitats including deciduous and coniferous forests as well as “mixed woodland.” The bird can also be found in city parks and university campuses throughout much of China.

The Great Tit is a non-migratory bird that can remain in the same place during summer and winter by switching its diet from insects in summer to seeds in winter. Only in the event of food shortages in winter will the Great Tit undertake large food-searching migrations. Often, the Great Tit will join “mixed flocks” of other bird species such as finches and nuthatches to forage for food during harsh winter months.

Great Tits are early spring breeders that use tree cavities as nests. They will also readily use man-made boxes for nesting purposes making them good subjects for study. The female produces a large clutch of eggs, often up to 18 in number. The female alone will incubate the eggs and she will be fed by the male during her incubation duties. Young tit chicks are fed by both parents.

Great Tit (Photo by Luc Viatour-www.Lucnix.be)

Vinous-throated Parrotbill (Paradoxornis webbianis)

(12 cm.) Small; long tail; small parrot-like bill; uniformly brown with light streaks on throat.

The Vinous-throated Parrotbill is an interesting and rather unconventional species of songbird of the former parrotbill family, “Paradoxornithidae”. The Latin name of the family translates to English as “paradox bird.” meaning a bird that cannot be understood. For many years ornithologists had struggled to find the correct classification for the parrotbills. Originally, they had been placed in the family, “Paridae,” the family of tits with which they do share some habits. However, after strict observations of DNA, they were moved to the Paradoxornithidae, and finally, “Sylviidae,” the family of warblers.

The species gets its name from its hooked bill which resembles that of a very small parrot. Several species of parrotbills can be found in China, but most are tropical species only found in the extreme southern parts of the country, This species is found almost throughout the eastern half of the country only missing in western parts of Jilin and Heilongjiang. No other parrotbill can be found at these latitudes.

This species is one of the smallest of the family, and it has a proportionally much longer tail than other parrotbills. Its plumage is uniformly brown, and it derives its name from the faint brown streaks found on its throat. Males and females look alike.

The Vinous-throated Parrotbill is an extremely gregarious species that is usually found in large loose flocks of birds which are at their biggest during the winter. In winter, flocks can exceed 100 individuals. In summer, when breeding is occupying the mated pairs of birds, these flocks are much smaller.

The Vinous-throated Parrotbill is extremely adaptable and hardy. It can survive in a wide range of habitats, including various types of forest, swampland and cultivated places such as farms, orchards and city parks. It is this adaptability that enables the Vinous-throated Parrotbill to live at northern latitudes too harsh for other parrotbills.

The Vinous-throated Parrotbill is always a cooperative species to observe as it allows human visitors to approach rather closely as it gleans the branches of trees and bushes in search of its favorite food, seeds.

Vinous-throated Parrotbill (Photo by Alder Chang)

White-cheeked Starling (Sturnus cineraceus)

(24 cm.) White cheek on black head; white rump; grey back; orange bill and legs.

Often animal species fulfill specific ecological needs within their given range. They perform a task that is required to sustain the delicate balance of nature between food producers/consumers and predators/prey. Birds such as starlings are active insect consumers which help to control the populations of the insects they consume. In western China, a species of starling, the Common Starling, performs the task of controlling the insect population in open habitats such as fields and farmland. In Eastern China, this task is taken over by another member of the family, the White-cheeked Starling.

The White-cheeked Starling is named for the white spot on the side of its face, or “cheek”. Males and females are similar in appearance, while the female of the species possesses duller plumage.

The breeding range of this species includes Northeast China, Korea and Japan and parts of Siberia. In wild areas, it is an adaptable bird which can live in woodland and open country. Its adaptable nature makes it an ideal city-dweller where it can find parks and gardens. It is often seen in city parks along the East Coast of China in the company of Yellow-billed Grosbeaks with which it forms loose feeding flocks in winter.

This species is an omnivore, like other starlings. It eats a wide variety of plant and animal matter, but it is especially fond of fruit and crickets.

Like other starling species, this bird is a hole nester which builds a nest in a cavity in a tree. Often it can use holes that once served as nesting places for woodpeckers that have since been abandoned.

A noisy and gregarious bird, the White-cheeked Starling’s conspicuous behavior has garnered it attention from birders and non-birders alike. The pop culture sensation, “Pokemon,” features a character called, “Starly” which is based entirely on this species.

White-cheeked Starling (Photo by Brian Westland)

Yellow-billed Grosbeak (Eophona migratoria)

Field marks:  large, very thick yellow bill, black wings and head, grey under parts, yellowish green (17-18 cm.)

The Yellow-billed Grosbeak, also known as the “Chinese Grosbeak” is a handsome and familiar bird of parks and woodlands in eastern China. Identification of this species is quite easy. Its huge yellow bill with a blackish tip, from which it derives its name is absolutely diagnostic. Another much less common grosbeak species, the Japanese Grosbeak, has a similar appearance and the large yellow bill, but it lacks the black tip.

The Yellow-billed Grosbeak is a songbird and a member of the finch family. Grosbeaks are generally bigger than other finches, and the name, “grosbeak,” means “large beak.” The enormous beak of the bird is an adaptation for feeding on the bird’s favorite food, nuts. The large, thick and powerful bill is ideally suited to cracking open very hard nuts that other nut-eating birds cannot manage. This special adaptation gives this species and other grosbeaks an absolute monopoly on certain foods.

The Yellow-billed Grosbeak is considered a “locally common” species meaning that in certain parts of its range it is quite common while in other parts of its range it may be uncommon or even rare. Certainly, in Qingdao, and surrounding Shandong province this species is extremely common. It can be said for certain, however, that the species is doing well and maintaining a healthy population.

Yellow-billed Grosbeak (Photo by Charles Lam)

Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer Montanus)

Field marks:  common; brown and white plumage, black throat cheek spot, reddish-brown crown (12-14 cm.) 麻雀 – má-què – ‘sparrow’
树麻雀 – shù má-què – ‘tree sparrow’ (Alternative in Cheng, M&P, Atlas)

The Eurasian Tree Sparrow is one of the commonest and perhaps the most familiar bird in Eastern China. It is found in every part of China, but it is the ubiquitous sparrow found in every city in the East of the country. In Western China, a similar species, the House Sparrow, is its ubiquitous city-dwelling counterpart. Like other birds with thick conical bills adapted for seed eating, it is a member of the finch family, “Passeridae.”

This bird is familiar to all people and it is often just referred to as “sparrow” or “ma que”. Those who are familiar with this species are probably unaware that it is not the only sparrow in the country. In fact, China has 12 sparrow species. However, besides the House Sparrow in the West, other sparrow species will rarely be encountered by Chinese city-dwellers.

The Eurasian Tree Sparrow is another omnivorous species that feeds by foraging on the ground for seeds and grains. In the summer breeding season, it will also partake of insects, millipedes, centipedes, and spiders.

This species should be appreciated despite its over-familiarity for its attractive appearance and the ease with which it keeps company with humans. In many places in China, however, this species is considered an enemy of the grain farmer as vast flocks of this bird can inflict significant damage to grain crops.

Mao Ze Dong famously attempted to eradicate this species in 1958 in order to save grain supplies. However, after initial success, many grain consuming insects on which the sparrows feed inflicted worse damage in the sparrows’ absence.

The Eurasian Tree Sparrow is a tree cavity nesting species that can also use a rock face containing a cavity as well. A female sparrow will typically lay 5-6 eggs. Young sparrows need up to a year to achieve full independence.

Before the advent of human civilization and the growth of cities, this species favored lightly wooded, open country. The birds still exist in these places, but urbanization has created city paradises for these birds to conquer.

Photo by Yiwenyiwen

Black-billed Magpie

The robust bird depicted in the photo at the top of this page is the Black-billed Magpie. This bird is a ubiquitous presence in Qingdao and much of Eastern China. Following is a description of this species' life and habits.

Field marks: Large (45-60cm.); iridescent, black and white, long tail.  Black portions of bird appear to be a green or blue in the right angle of light.
喜鹊 – xǐ-què – ‘magpie’

The Black-billed Magpie is one of the most familiar birds on the East Coast of China. It is widely known as the “lucky bird” by the Chinese, and it is associated with good luck and fortune for those who encounter it.

In fact, this species, while extremely handsome, has a far less attractive disposition and reputation. It should be noted that all species of magpie belong to the family, “corvidae.” This is the same family as the crow and the raven-two species better known for their association with bad luck and devilment as opposed to good fortune. All members of the family corvidae including magpies, crows, ravens and jays, are extremely intelligent animals and are considered by many ornithologists as the most intelligent of birds. However, this family also has a reputation for savagery.

The Black-billed Magpie is an omnivore, and it indeed consumes a large variety of foods. In addition to eating nuts, seeds and berries, it will take small rodents such as mice. The black-billed magpie, along with other members of its family, is known for its predatory behavior and will often dine on the young chicks of other bird species. It will also attack and bully cats, dogs, and other birds that may venture too close to it or its territory. It is clearly not a lucky bird for those species upon which it preys and wreaks havoc.

This species, in addition to its range in China is also found in the western part of North America. It can be found throughout much of western North America as well as  other locations in Asia. The species seems to be particularly successful on the East Coast of China, especially around Qingdao, where it appears to be as common as people.

This species is non-migratory, unlike most other songbirds. It may wander in order to find new food sources, but it does not undertake large scale migrations in spring and fall.

The Black-billed Magpie frequents open country such as fields and pastures with scattered trees. Its love of this habitat makes it an ideal city dweller, where it can find parks and suburban sprawl. It is this adaptability that we can admire about this bird, and although this magpie may be a scourge to other birds it will not bother people beyond attempts to steal scraps of food from your garbage.

Like many non-migratory species, the Black-billed Magpie breeds early in spring. It builds a large, domed nest of loosely bound twigs and the female lays 6-10 eggs. Young magpies can fly after about one month after hatching and feed themselves in two months.

Black-billed Magpie(Photo by Brian Westland)