Fun Japanese Grosbeak Facts For Kids

One of the most unique birds around has to be the Japanese grosbeak (Eophona personata). This sprightly bird is found in several parts of the world, such as the Eurasian plate, in locations like Russia, Europe, Africa, and several others.

Talk about a well-traveled bird! When they do travel, though they are usually seen in small flocks or in pairs and rarely alone.

These social birds can be seldom spotted up in trees, and more often in shrubbery and undergrowth and closer to the forest floor. This is because most of their diet, namely, shrubs, insects, and berries, are not found on the high treetops.

In addition to their travels, these birds are found in very specific locations, so if you wish to see this bird around, you might have to take a trip to their native lands, Japan! First seen and discovered in Japan in the 1800s, Japanese ornithology would be incomplete without a mention of this bird.

Do you think you would like to know more about this well-traveled, adventurous bird?

Then read on! You should also take a look at other interesting birds like the Cape starling and glossy starling, and get to know them more!

Japanese Grosbeak Interesting Facts

What type of animal is a Japanese grosbeak?

The Japanese grosbeak (Eophona personata) is a type of bird.

What class of animal does a Japanese grosbeak belong to?

THe Japanese grosbeak (Eophona personata) belongs to the class of birds.

How many Japanese grosbeaks are there in the world?

The population size of the Japanese grosbeak (Eophona personata) has yet to be determined. A large finch with a strong hulking bill is less frequent in China than the yellow-billed grosbeak.

Where does a Japanese grosbeak live?

Japanese grosbeaks (Eophona personata) live in the woods. Though they are native to the Eastern Palearctic, they are found at a variety of locations across the world, mostly concentrated in countries like Northern Africa, all of Europe, as well as nations like Russia and those around it.

It is not found in any of the Americas and is native to East Asia.

What is a Japanese grosbeak's habitat?

The Japanese grosbeak bird species is mostly found in the lowlands, where it can be seen in large deciduous and mixed woods and woodlands, cultivated areas' margins, well-wooded hillsides, gardens, and parks. The Japanese grosbeak (Eophona personata) species may be observed from up to 2624.7 ft (800 m) above sea level.

Generally, the Japanese grosbeak habitat is preferably in valleys rather than hillsides.

Who do Japanese grosbeaks live with?

The Japanese grosbeak (Eophona personata) species are most commonly found in pairs or small flocks. They are frequently heard before being sighted in the undergrowth. They are loud, flighty birds who, even though they stay on the ground, can fly very quickly to escape predators.

How long does a Japanese grosbeak live?

The longevity of Japanese grosbeak (Eophona personata) birds is unknown due to a lack of studies. Although, the average life span of the evening grosbeak is two to four years in the wild, but approximately nine years in captivity. It can be assumed that because of this proximity in families, the grosbeak will also have a similar lifespan

How do they reproduce?

During May to July, the breeding season usually occurs. The two mates choose a nesting spot and guard it. Before copulation, several flying displays may happen.

The nest of the Japanese grosbeak (Eophona personata) bird is a big, deep cup perched 6.6-19.7 ft (2-6 m) above the ground in a tree. Grass blades, sticks, and twigs, and stems are used to construct it. Smoother grasses line the inside of the cup.

Three to four pale blue eggs with delicate blackish markings are laid by the female. The female bird incubates as the male regurgitates food from the nest. Offsprings are fed by both males and females.

What is their conservation status?

The Japanese grosbeak (Eophona personata) birds are listed as the Least Concern species by IUCN Red List. However, many scientists and researchers do not agree with this classification because of the lack of research into this species of grosbeak as a whole.

Japanese Grosbeak Fun Facts

What do Japanese grosbeaks look like?

From forehead through upper nape, cheeks, crown sides, and chin, the adult male bird of the species has a black face and black-colored crown. The whitish-gray margin of this mask is very narrow.

These black plumes have a shiny blue color in their new plumage. The body of these birds is pale gray with buffy washes primarily on the upper parts.

The color of upper tail-coverts is quite a duller gray, while bluish-black is the color of the long and forked tail, having black rectrices on the outside. Secondaries have a shiny blue-black border on the bluish-black or black upper wing. On folded wings, the primaries have a triangular white patch that forms a noticeable whitish wing bar in flight.

These birds have buff-brown tertials and grayer or paler fringes. Featuring a white belly with pale tawny wings and under tail-coverts, the underparts are pale gray. Brilliant yellow on a pale background, the Japanese grosbeak’s beak is big and conical in shape. The eyes are a deep brown color. Their feet and legs have a pinkish hue to them.

The Japanese grosbeak female has darker wings and thinner glossy blue secondary borders than the male. The juvenile's body is a blander gray. The black mask on the face only covers the lower forehead, bill base, as well as the lores.

The top of the head as well as the other parts of the body is a buff-brown color with a gray hue. The scapulars may have a faint blackish stripe. The white patch on the primaries of wings is a smaller version of the black wing patch.

How cute are they?

This large finch found in Japan looks cute with a bright yellow beak, white patch, and brilliant colors on its body. If you see them, you can definitely admire their tasteful colors and their beautiful feathers, but be sure to not get too close, lest they might fly away!

How do they communicate?

The Japanese grosbeak (Eophona personata) male bird's weak hostile attitude towards others begins in the winter flocks. In order to reach a partner, some postures are performed as well.

Mates, on the other hand, communicate and interact frequently. Males protect a limited area surrounding the nest throughout the breeding season, although they spend less time on advertising behavior or territorial defense. The male is most likely 'mate-guarding' the female by chasing her around everywhere she goes.

How big is a Japanese grosbeak?

The length of the Japanese grosbeak (Eophona personata) bird is about 7.1-9.1 in (18.03-23.11 cm). While the blue grosbeak bird's length measures around 5.5-7.5 in (13.97-19.05 cm). The average Japanese grosbeak size is much greater than the blue grosbeak birds.

How fast can a Japanese grosbeak fly?

The Japanese grosbeak (Eophona personata) bird flies with an undulating pattern, which is particularly noticeable over greater distances. This pattern plays over a longer course of travel, though there is no specific speed.

How much does a Japanese grosbeak weigh?

The weight of a solo Japanese grosbeak (Eophona personata) male is around 2.8 oz (79.4 g). While the average weight range of this bird is approximately  2.3-3.5 oz (64.9-99.9 g).

What are the male and female names of the species?

The Japanese grosbeak (Eophona personata) bird's male and female species don't have any special title.

What would you call a baby Japanese grosbeak?

The Japanese grosbeak (Eophona personata) baby birds have no distinguished name.

What do they eat?

The Japanese grosbeak (Eophona personata) bird species eat a variety of seeds, including pine, cedar, and birch. It eats berries as well.

It also feeds on insects such as caterpillars and coleopterans during the summer season. This species of bird forages among trees, staying beneath the canopy's plants and foliage. It may feed among shrubs at a lower level on occasion.

The Japanese grosbeak (Eophona personata) bird species uses its powerful bill and strength of jaws to extract seeds from the toughest kernels. This feeding procedure does not require the use of the feet. The seeds are consumed, whereas the pulp and peel are thrown. It eats both unripe and ripe seeds, though it favors ripe fruits' seeds.

Are they dangerous?

The Japanese grosbeak (Eophona personata) birds are not dangerous for human beings.

Would they make a good pet?

No, the Japanese grosbeak would not make a very good pet. Not only are they migratory birds, but they are also very ill-suited to life indoors.

This means that even if they are kept as pets, they will suffer from health issues, mental problems, as well as a range of complications that the bird owner will not be prepared for.

If you are in the market to adopt a cute bird, why not look at the purple finch instead? The purple finch (family: Fringillidae) is an adorable parrot that would make a wonderful pet.

Did you know...

The Japanese grosbeak (Eophona personata) is found in Japan from Hokkaido to Kyushu. This is not as frequently migratory as the other races, although it does roam a lot during the winter, primarily in search of food.

The Japanese grosbeak (Eophona personata) bird has two subspecies. The first subspecies is E.p. personata while another subspecies is  E.p. magnirostris.

In-flight, the Japanese grosbeak (Eophona personata) bird makes short, harsh sounds that sound like 'tak, tak.' Whereas when the birds are hunting in trees or gliding, we can detect a high-pitched sound 'kik.' The song is a high and low pattern of fluty whistling notes called 'tsuki-hi-hoshi.'

Naming Japanese grosbeaks

The term 'grosbeak' is derived from the French phrase grosbec, which means 'big beak,' which is an obvious feature of this bird. And, since this bird finds most of its origins in Japan, the naming choice of Japanse grosbeak becomes obvious.

However, they are not the only bird who can boast of a big beak. Other birds like the rose-breasted grosbeak (family: Cardinalidae) have a stunning appearance - and a similarly big beak.

Are Japanese grosbeaks endemic?

No, the Japanese grosbeak (Eophona personata) is not endemic to one particular location. This means that they are found in several locations, like South Korea, China, and in rare cases, even in locations like Russia.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other birds from our gnatcatcher facts and common kingfisher facts pages.

You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring one in on our free printable Japanese grosbeak coloring pages.