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



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

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



Eurasian Blackbird (Turdus merula)

(29 cm.) Entirely black plumage; yellow bill and eye ring

The Eurasian Blackbird, often referred to as the Common Blackbird is a very common member of the thrush family, “turdidae”. Like other many other birds in this family, the Eurasian Blackbird is a talented singer that serenades females and threatens other males with its melodious singing during the spring and summer.

Despite bearing the name, “blackbird,” it should be noted that this bird is a true thrush and is not related to members of the American blackbird family, “icteridae.” As one of the few completely black species of songbirds in Europe and Asia, the bird’s English name is most reasonable. The male has uniformly black plumage with a striking yellow eye-ring and yellow bill. The female is a less attractive mix of black and brown, but still possesses the yellow bill, which is this species diagnostic feature.

The Eurasian Blackbird is found throughout south and central China as far north as Shandong province. It is not a migratory species and can be found year-round in most part of its range. In the northern part of its range, some birds may wander south during winter to seek out better conditions. It is generally a hardy species, however.

This bird is a common sight in city parks and gardens or any place that offers it its preferred foods, earthworms, insects, and other small invertebrates. It is a versatile omnivore that also enjoys berries and fruits.

During the summer breeding season the male Eurasian Blackbird will attract a mate with a strange courtship display of running and head-bobbing. After mating, the couple will build a cup-shaped nest made of mud, grass and other vegetation. The female lays 3-5 eggs and incubates them herself for about two weeks. Due to the accessible position of Eurasian Blackbird nests, predators often take eggs and chicks. Despite this, this species continues to maintain a large population, and this bird continues to be regular attraction in city parks in all major Chinese cities from Qingdao in the north all the way down the East Coast of China.

Photo by Brian Westland

Eurasian Jay (Garrulus glandarius) Song ya

(35 cm.) Pinkish color; white throat; black “mustache”; blue and black pattered wings; white rump

The Eurasian Jay, like other jays found in the world, is part of the “Corvidae” family which includes crows and magpies. The Eurasian Jay shares many characteristics of these birds including a harsh voice,  exceptional intelligence and a somewhat dark reputation for aggressive and predatory behavior.

This species shares the Black-billed Magpie’s love of eggs, and it will actively seek out the nests of other bird species to steal eggs and even chicks. Its aggressive nature is most often directed at birds larger than itself, however. The Eurasian Jay is known as a fierce rival of several birds of prey. It will harass owls and hawks during the day in an attempt to protect its own kind. During its attacks on the Tawny Owl, the Eurasian Jay will mimic the call of the owl. This bird has a great gift of mimicry, and its imitations of the sounds of other birds are difficult to distinguish from the real calls of the species it imitates.

In addition to eggs, the Eurasian Jay eats seeds, berries and other fruits. It is especially fond of acorns, and it seeks out oak forests as habitat to give it a steady supply of this food. Various animals such as small animals, insects, and other birds constitute a significant part of its diet.

This is a widespread species which is found throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. In China, this species is found in most of the eastern half of the country. Like most members of the Corvidae family, it is a non-migratory resident species within its range. Its varied diet allows it to consume foods in any season within its range.

Perhaps due to the destruction of the mixed oak forests which it favors, this species is moving into the cities where urban parkland can offer it the conditions it needs to survive.

The Eurasian Jay nests in a large shrub or a tree, and the female lays 4-6 eggs in an untidy stick nest. Both parents will feed the chicks after the eggs have hatched.

Despite its aggressive personality, or perhaps due to it, this species can end up being a prey item at night for the species of raptors which it bullies during the day

Photo by Pawel Kuzniar

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)

Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major)

(24 cm.) Large: black and white, white cheek, red head spot.
The Great Spotted Woodpecker is a member of the family, “Picidae,” the woodpeckers. Like all woodpeckers, it is usually found climbing around the trunks of large trees in a concentrated search for insects and their larvae. This species is the most widespread woodpecker in China, and it is found throughout the East.

Both male and female Great Spotted Woodpeckers are “pied” birds that are primarily colored black and white. Both sexes sport a pinkish-red vent, the area found on the birds’ under parts near the base of their tails. The male displays a red spot on the back of its head that is missing in the female.

All woodpeckers have physical adaptations that allow them to lead their rather unconventional way of life. To allow them to grip tree bark, nature has provided woodpeckers with two pairs of toes which point in opposite directions and ensure firm gripping of tree bark. Their unusually stiff tail feathers provide added support as the birds grip tree bark. Woodpeckers also possess heavily-reinforced skulls which can absorb the impact of the birds’ drilling into tree trunks with their sharp bills. The tongue of a woodpecker in extremely long and can extend several centimeters beyond its bill, allowing the woodpecker to probe the holes it drills in search of food.

The Great Spotted Woodpecker is a non-migratory resident throughout most of its Chinese range. It will sometimes venture south in winter from the coldest parts of its range. It is still a common winter bird in Beijing during winter, however.

This species is omnivorous; and although it is fond of insects, it will also consume the eggs and chicks of other bird species, fruits, nuts, and seeds. It has even been known to eat small rodents.

The Great Spotted Woodpecker nests in a tree cavity usually in a soft-wooded tree that is in some state of decay. The female lays 5-7 eggs and after hatching, the chicks will gather at the hole entrance to clamber for food while the parent birds are absent on their food-finding missions.

Great Spotted Woodpecker (Photo by Maartin Visser)

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)

Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius)

(16 cm.) Small; small bill; single thick dark band across chest; yellow legs; conspicuous yellow eye-ring; no wing bars

The Little Ringed Plover is a member of a large subfamily of small wading birds with straight bills which are notched at the tip, the plovers. The plover family is known according to scientific classification as the “Charadriinae” family. Plovers are found feeding for small invertebrates at the water edge’s and on open land.

This species is one of the smallest of its family. Like many plovers, it has a black mask and a ring around its neck. The Common Ringed Plover looks very similar but the Little Ringed Plover’s completely black bill, thinner neck ring, and conspicuous eye-ring distinguish it from this bird.

The Little Ringed Plover is a widespread species that is found in North Africa in winter and most of Europe and Asia throughout the year. In China, this species breeds throughout the eastern and central parts of the country. It winters in the southeast of China and Southeast Asia.

The diet of this species consists mostly of worms and insects of various species.

This species is usually found in marshes, mudflats, and along the sandy banks of rivers and streams.

The Little Ringed Plover is a widespread and common species in eastern China, and it is likely to be encountered by anyone who seeks it out.

Little Ringed Plover (Photo by Marek Szczepanek)

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)

Mandarin Duck (Atix galericulata)

(40 cm.) Male: unmistakable Female: brownish-grey plumage; white eye-ring/eye-line.

The Mandarin duck is a bird of such extraordinary beauty that it must be considered as one of the most beautiful animals in the world. The male of the species is so elaborately adorned that a text description would fail to do the bird justice. Needless to say, this bird is absolutely gorgeous and its beauty makes it absolutely unmistakable. The female, although a much less elaborate creature than the male, is also very attractive. The Mandarin Duck is a member of the large family of ducks, geese and swans, “Anatidae.”

Unfortunately, this extremely attractive bird is now one the rarest wild birds in China. Once quite common and widespread in Asia, the Mandarin Duck’s population declined drastically due to the destruction of its forest habitat and capture and export as a decorative species.

Today, the bird is found in the wild in Russia, China and Japan. Fewer than 1000 pairs of Mandarin Ducks can be found in China in the wild. A similar number can be found in Russia, while Japan is still home to 5000 pairs of wild Mandarin Ducks. Many specimens are kept in zoos around the world, and these are the only places that most people today can hope to see this special bird.

The few remaining wild Mandarin Ducks in China today breed in the forests of the extreme Northeast of the country. In spring they migrate along the East Coast to their wintering grounds in the South.

Fortunately, Mandarin Ducks introduced to the wild in other parts of the world have built up significant populations. A reported 7000 pairs of the birds can be found in Britain. Berlin, Germany also has a large local population of the birds. In America, Mandarin Ducks which escaped from captivity have established a population of several hundred in Sonoma County, California.

In the wild, Mandarin Ducks nest in tree cavities near lakes and ponds. They eat plants, seeds, fish, snails, and insects. They feed by dabbling in the manner of the Mallard.

This bird has been immortalized in Chinese art for centuries as a symbol of marital bliss and fidelity.

Mandarin Duck (Photo by Arpingstone)

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)

Oriental Magpie Robin (Copsychus saularis)

(20 cm.) Male: Black head, throat and breast; white underparts; black and white wings and tail. Female: Like male except for grey head and breast.

The Oriental Magpie Robin, which is a common sight in South China parks, is an unmistakable bird which looks like a much smaller version of the Black-billed Magpie. Once placed in the family of thrushes, “Turdidae,” it is now slotted in the family, “Muscicapidae,” the family of flycatchers.

This species is a non-migratory bird of Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Southeast Asia, including China, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines. In China, it is found in the southern half of the country including the central portion of the country, as well as Tibet.

The male of the species is a beautifully-patterned black and white bird, while the female is a greyer version of the male.

The Oriental Magpie Robin favors open wooded areas and cultivated areas such as gardens and parks. This preference of habitat makes it an ideal city-dweller.

During the breeding season, the male of the species becomes extremely animated and can be seen singing loudly from a perch high in a tree while puffing his feathers and fanning his tail in his attempts to attract a mate.

After mating, the female will lay 4-5 eggs in a nest she constructed in a cavity of a tree or wall. The female takes most of the responsibility for the raising of chicks while the male will aggressively defend their nesting territory.

This species is primarily an insectivore with its diet consisting mainly of insects and other invertebrates. On occasion, they will consume small lizards and even fish.

The Oriental Magpie Robin is still a fairly common bird within its Chinese range, but its population has declined, especially around Hong Kong, due to its frequent capture for the caged bird trade and the introduction of invasive species such as the Common Mynah.

As a bird of such striking beauty, this species is well-loved throughout its Asian range. It is highly admired by cage bird collectors for its beautiful singing, and it is the national bird of Bangladesh.

Oriental Magpie Robin in moult (Photo by Brian Westland)

 

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) Yu’e

(55 cm.) Dark brown neck; back, wings and tail; white throat, crown and under parts; dark mask.

The Osprey is a truly cosmopolitan species of raptor which can be found on every continent on earth except Antarctica. It is also called Fish Hawk or Fish Eagle due to its heavy reliance on fish as a component of its diet. It is the sole member of its subfamily, “Pandioninae.” The fact that the Osprey is the lone member of its family living world-wide makes it a bird of particular interest.

The Osprey, which looks like a small eagle, is the sole member of its family due several physical differences between it and other diurnal birds of prey. Unlike eagles and hawks, the Osprey has a reversible toe which enables it to place two talons pointing backwards on its foot. Also, its toes are of equal length, and its talons are rounded as opposed to grooved. Furthermore, the Osprey’s feet are equipped with sharp barbs that make grasping fish an easier task. These oddities in the feet are specific adaptations to its fish-hunting way of life.

In China, the Osprey is found over much of the eastern and western parts of the country, but it is absent from much of the central region. In Eastern China, it is a resident species in the Northeast and the South Coast from around Xiamen to Hong Kong. It is also a resident species of Taiwan.

The Osprey is an unmistakable bird due to its distinctive dark brown mask, wings, body and tail, and otherwise white plumage. Males and females look alike, although males can be identified by their slimmer bodies and narrower wings.

The Osprey has been dubbed, “Fish Eagle,” as fish constitute around 99% of its diet. The other one percent is made up of the occasional rodent, rabbit, reptile, or other bird species. Ospreys catch fish by hovering over the water’s surface until a fish is sighted and then diving feet first into the water. At other times, the Osprey can avoid diving by swooping over the water’s surface and snatching fish from just below the surface. Closeable nostrils prevent water from entering the bird during those occasions when the bird’s head may become submerged during its fishing attempts.

Osprey nests are platforms of sticks which can be found in trees, on utility poles, or even on large rocks. The female lays 2-4 eggs, and incubates them for around 5 weeks. Young Ospreys take several months to gain full independence from their parents. Ospreys generally mate for life.

Osprey (Photo by Mike Baird)

Winter Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes)

(10 cm.) Tiny; tail held erect; faint eye-line; uniformly brown; dark bars on belly.

The Winter Wren is a tiny nomad of a bird. It is the only member of its family, “Troglodytinae,” to be found outside of the Americas. This bird, also called the Eurasian Wren, is often simply referred to as “the wren” because it is the only species of its kind found in Eurasia. It was also the first species of its family known to science, and to be given the name, “wren.” Fifty-nine other species of wren can be found throughout the Americas from Canada down to Argentina.

The family’s name, “Troglodytinae,” means cave-dweller, a reference to all wrens’

tendency to disappear in dense vegetation near the ground. All wrens are various shades of brown and all of them hold their tails in an erect, upright position. They are all insectivores that possess often beautiful and complex songs.

The Winter Wren is one of the smallest birds within its range throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Its tiny size is one of the keys to its identification, especially in Europe and Asia where it is the only tiny brown bird that cocks its stubby tail in the typical wren fashion.

In China, the Winter Wren breeds in its year-round range in the northeast and northwest corners of the country. It is also a resident of the central portion of the country and Taiwan. In winter, it can be found along the East Coast of the country from Dalian all the way down the coast to Hong Kong.

The Winter Wren is blessed with one of the most impressive songs in the bird world. It is also one of the loudest songs for a bird so tiny. The song consists of rising and falling melodious notes and trills of very clear tone, and lasts for up to half a minute. Following another half-minutes’ rest, the song starts again. Once heard, the song of this bird is never forgotten. This amazing song, although most often heard in spring, can be heard year-round.

The Winter Wren prefers coniferous forests as habitat, and in the summer breeding season, the male builds several round nests of grass, leaves, or moss, allowing the female to choose her favorite. Winter Wrens are polygamous, and a male wren may have several families during one breeding season.

The Winter Wren feeds on spiders and insects, including many that hide in crevices during winter months. This bird’s ability to find insect life in the depths of winter allows it to be a non-migratory bird throughout much of its range

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)