What kind of bird is the popular and adorable long-tailed tit? Explaining its cute characteristics, ecology, and habitat This bird, called the snow fairy, can be seen in Hokkaido, Japan. It is said to be one of the subspecies of the long-tailed tit, and is a bird classified in the long-tailed tit family, and is also famous as a very cute bird because its entire body is pure white.
- What is Shimaenaga? About basic status
- About habitat
- feature is? What kind of creature is it?
- What is your personality like?
- What is the ecology like?
- About Japanese Long-tailed Tit Chicks
- Is the long-tailed moth an endangered species?
- Differences between the long-tailed tit and other long-tailed tits
- Can I keep a striped long-tailed moth?
What is Shimaenaga? About basic status
The long-tailed moth is a bird classified in the family Longtail, genus Longtail. The scientific name is Aegithalos caudatus trivirgatus. The English name is Long-tailed Tit. The body length is about 10 to 14 cm, and the weight is about 10 g, which is about the same size as a sparrow. This popular bird is called the “snow fairy” because of its adorable appearance. In Japan, it is sold as goods, illustration designs, and products. The list of information is below. Many people purchase stuffed animals and post them on social media.
| Japanese（和名） | シマエナガ |
| English（英名） | Long-tailed Tit |
| scientific name(学名) | Aegithalos caudatus trivirgatus |
| classification（分類） | Ave、 Passeriformes、 Aegithalidae、Aegithalos 鳥綱、スズメ目、エナガ科、エナガ属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | LEAST CONCERN |
| Length（体長） | 10～14cm |
| Weight（体重） | 10g |
About classification
The cute striped long-tailed moth is classified as a family of long-tailed moths. There are four subspecies living in the vicinity: Long-tailed tit (Honshu, etc.), Kyushu-enaga (Shikoku and Kyushu), and Chosen long-tailed tit (Tsushima, etc.). With the exception of the striped long-tailed moth, all of them are southern subspecies, so the striped long-tailed moth can be said to be a special entity. It looks like a stuffed animal, and has been featured in books and photographs, making it very attractive.
Taxonomy of the Japanese long-tailed tit
- 界（Kingdom）：動物界 (Animalia)
- 門（Phylum）：脊索動物門 (Chordata)
- 綱（Class）：鳥綱 (Aves)
- 目（Order）：スズメ目 (Passeriformes)
- 科（Family）：エナガ科 (Aegithalidae)
- 属（Genus）：Aegithalos
- 種（Species）：Aegithalos caudatus
- 亜種（日本産）：Aegithalos caudatus japonicus
About habitat
The long-tailed moth inhabits and is distributed mainly in Hokkaido, Japan. Their cries can often be heard in urban areas like Sapporo, and flocks sometimes visit stores and become a hot topic of conversation.
- Habitat in Japan
Distribution: Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu
Habitat:
Coniferous and mixed forests (coniferous and broadleaf)
Can survive in areas with snow, even in winter
Prefers densely forested areas, feeding on insects on the tips of branches and among leaves
- Relationship with Forest Environment
Mostly found in the middle to upper forest stratum
Dense forests are necessary to feed on insects hiding in tree leaves and branches
Rarely found in urban or developed areas
- Global Distribution
Closely related species are found in northern Eurasia (Russia, China, the Korean Peninsula, etc.)
The Japanese subspecies is particularly well adapted to cold, snowy climates
feature is? What kind of creature is it?
The long-tailed moth is a bird that lives in cold regions and is widely distributed from Hokkaido in Japan to Europe and Siberia. This bird can mainly be seen in forests and forests, as well as on flatlands and mountains. They are distributed throughout Hokkaido and can be seen in parks and green areas. It can be said that it is characterized by the fact that the whole body is pure white with some black mixed in. Their fluffy and fluffy feathers and feathers are noticeable when you look at them. The color changes in winter and summer.
- Body Size and Appearance
Total Length: Approximately 13 cm (including tail)
Weight: Approximately 5-9 g
Body Type: Small, round body, long, slender tail (accounting for about half of total length)
Feather Color:
White, round head
Black and gray back, black and white patterned wings
Whitish underside
Eyes: Black, round, cute expression
- Behavior and Personality
Active and curious
Often travels in flocks, often in groups of several dozen birds, even in winter
Flying around on twigs, they hunt for insects and spiders
Makes a high-pitched, cute chirping sound
- Diet
Mainly insectivorous (also eats nuts and seeds in winter)
Carefully searches leaves and branches to catch insects
- Other Characteristics
A small, cold-hardy bird that can live in snowy regions
Sometimes called “snow fairies” due to their cute appearance
What is your personality like?
The long-tailed moth is very active. Basically, I move around a lot like a child, so I move around a lot like a child. There is a reason why the striped long-tailed moth moves around so actively. This is also to protect them from predators such as snakes, crows, and weasels since they have a very small body. The slightly white appearance is very adorable.
Personality and Behavior of the Japanese Long-tailed Tit
Active and curious
Flying among the branches and leaves of forests, searching for insects and small objects
Always on the move, observing their surroundings even when in a flock
Social
Even in winter, they form flocks of several dozen birds
They communicate with each other through vocalizations
Timid but not overly cautious
Highly sensitive to predators (such as birds of prey and cats)
They often flee when humans approach, but living in a flock gives them a sense of security
Cooperative
When searching for food or moving between branches, they closely observe the behavior of their companions
In harsh winter conditions, they may huddle together to keep warm
What is the ecology like?
The long-tailed moth is omnivorous. Their staple food is tree sap, small nuts, and insects. Their favorite food is often eaten by aphids. Since it is a resident bird rather than a migratory bird, it can be seen in Hokkaido throughout the year. The breeding season is from April to June, when they build nests. They will reproduce monogamously. They lay about one egg a day, and about 10 eggs over a period of 1 to 2 weeks. Unfortunately, it is a very short-lived bird, with a maximum lifespan of only 5 years.
- Life Rhythm
Diurnal: Active during the day and forage for food
Rests among branches and leaves at night
Active in winter, but travels in groups to endure the cold
- Diet/Foraging
Main Food:
Small arthropods such as insects and spiders
Also eats nuts and seeds in winter
Foraging Method:
Finds prey by flying among twigs and leaves
Sometimes forage cooperatively in groups
- Breeding
Breeding Season: April to July (Japanese subspecies)
Nest Building:
Builds ball-shaped nests at the ends of tree branches using moss, spider web silk, and feathers
These small, round nests are placed in easily concealed locations
Egg Laying: Approximately 5-10
Brooding:
Both parents take turns incubating and feeding the eggs
Chicks hatch in about two weeks and fledge in another two weeks
- Sociality
They often travel in flocks in winter, sometimes numbering in the dozens.
Flocking allows them to better protect themselves from the cold and guard against predators.
They communicate within the flock through vocalizations and behavior.
- Habitat Relationship
Sylvan Habitat: Depends on coniferous and mixed forests.
Activates in the mid- to upper-story forests.
Because they fly between trees and branches, they are vulnerable to habitat loss due to development and deforestation.
Are there any natural enemies?
Unfortunately, since the long-tailed moth is a very small bird, it has many natural enemies. They are preyed upon not only by weasels and crows, but also by dogs and cats.
About Japanese Long-tailed Tit Chicks
By summarizing the chicks of Japanese Long-tailed Tit (Aegithalos caudatus japonicus), we can understand their developmental stages, behavior, and relationship with their parents from hatching to fledging.
- Hatching/Nest
Nest Building: They build small, round nests on the tips of tree branches.
Egg Number: 5-10
Egg Size: Approximately 1.5cm
Incubation Period: Approximately 14 days
- Chick Characteristics
Weight: Approximately 1-2g at hatching
Feathers: At first, they are soft and whitish with down.
Eyes: Closed immediately after hatching, but open within a few days.
Behavior:
Initially, they stay still in the nest.
Parents take turns incubating and feeding.
- Development Stages
Age/Week Development/Behavior: 0-2 weeks: They stay still in the nest with down. Parents feed them. 2-3 weeks: Their feathers begin to form. They build muscle strength by playing with their siblings. Weeks 3-4: They begin practicing flapping their wings and moving between branches. Weeks 4-5: Their flight ability improves. They practice with their parents in preparation for leaving the nest. Around week 5, they leave the nest. They begin to move independently, but may rely on their parents for support.
- Survival Considerations
They may be vulnerable to natural predators (such as birds of prey and small mammals).
Poor weather and food availability reduce their survival rate.
Is the long-tailed moth an endangered species?
The long-tailed moth is classified as low concern, and there is currently no possibility of extinction nationwide. For this reason, it is stable, but the estimated population is said to be gradually decreasing. The cause is land development by humans.
- Conservation Status in Japan
Under Japanese law (Natural Monuments and Wildlife Protection Act), the species is not designated as a specially protected species.
Although local declines have occurred due to forest development and logging, the species remains stable nationwide.
- IUCN Red List Assessment
The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) classifies the Long-tailed Tit (Aegithalos caudatus), which includes the Japanese Long-tailed Tit, as Least Concern.
The population is stable and the risk of extinction is considered low.
- Habitat Impact
Local declines have occurred due to deforestation and urbanization.
However, the species as a whole remains stable due to the presence of extensive forested areas.
Differences between the long-tailed tit and other long-tailed tits
What is the difference between the striped long-tailed moth and other long-tailed moths? The key to distinguishing them is the striped pattern on their faces. The face of the long-tailed moth is completely white. However, other species of long-tailed tits have a large eyebrow-shaped black area that can be spotted and identified here.
Can I keep a striped long-tailed moth?
The long-tailed moth is considered a wild bird, as its population is stable. The breeding of wild birds is strictly restricted by the Bird and Wildlife Protection and Management Act. Protecting wild birds without permission is also illegal and subject to fines and punishments, so the only way to see the original is at a zoo with a guide. We recommend taking photos during the period when you can observe and meet them. We are also often featured in media news and services.
- Legal Issues
Under the Wildlife Protection Act in Japan, capturing and keeping wild Japanese long-tailed tits is prohibited.
Capturing wild individuals and bringing them home or importing them is also illegal.
Even for breeding or research purposes, special permission from the prefecture or Ministry of the Environment is required.
- Difficulties in Raising
Requires space for flight: These birds have a habit of flying around branches in the forest, causing stress in small cages.
Dietary Issues:
They primarily eat small animals such as insects and spiders.
They also eat seeds and nuts in winter, so they require a feeding environment similar to their natural habitat.
High Sociality:
As a flock-living bird, keeping them alone can cause significant loneliness and stress.
- Cases Where Raising is Possible
Only in specialized facilities with legal permits, such as zoos and bird exhibition facilities.
Facilities provide flock-living environments, natural-looking food, and flight space for these birds.
コメント