3 Birds You Can See in Cherry Blossom Trees in Japan
Cherry blossoms are one of the most iconic signs of spring in Japan. Many people enjoy viewing the flowers during the cherry blossom season, but the trees attract more than just people.
Various birds also gather around cherry blossom trees. Among the blooming branches, you may see birds drinking nectar or searching for insects.
If you look carefully into the branches while enjoying the blossoms, you may notice that many birds use these trees during spring.
In this article, I will introduce three common birds that can often be seen in cherry blossom trees.
Birds Commonly Seen in Cherry Blossom Trees
Brown-eared Bulbul
The Brown-eared Bulbul is one of the birds most often seen in cherry blossom trees.
It is a medium-sized gray bird with slightly raised feathers on its head. During cherry blossom season, bulbuls frequently move between branches while feeding on nectar from the flowers.
Because they are relatively large birds, they are easy to notice when they move among the branches. If you see branches shaking or hear loud calls from a cherry tree, a bulbul may be nearby.
They are very common birds in Japan and can often be seen in city parks and residential areas.
Japanese White-eye
The Japanese White-eye is a small bird that is often seen visiting cherry blossom trees.
It has a bright green body and a distinctive white ring around its eye. During the cherry blossom season, white-eyes move quickly from flower to flower while feeding on nectar.
They sometimes hang upside down while drinking nectar from the blossoms. Their energetic movements among the flowers make them fun to observe.
Because of their beautiful colors, the combination of cherry blossoms and Japanese White-eyes is also popular for photography.
Eurasian Tree Sparrow
The Eurasian Tree Sparrow is a very familiar bird in Japan.
Although sparrows are often seen searching for food on the ground, they also perch in cherry blossom trees.
They usually do not drink nectar, but they often rest on the branches or watch their surroundings from the tree.
Since sparrows live close to people, they are easy to observe even in parks and urban areas during cherry blossom season.
Why Birds Gather Around Cherry Blossom Trees
There are several reasons why birds gather around cherry blossom trees.
First, cherry blossoms contain nectar, which attracts birds such as Japanese White-eyes and Brown-eared Bulbuls.
Second, small insects often gather around the flowers, and some birds visit the trees to feed on them.
Finally, cherry trees have many spreading branches that provide convenient perching spots for birds.
For these reasons, cherry blossom trees can become lively places for birds during spring.
Other Birds You May See in Cherry Blossom Trees
Besides the three birds introduced above, several other species may also appear in cherry blossom trees.
Examples include:
- Great Tit
- Japanese Pygmy Woodpecker
- White Wagtail
Depending on the location, the species you see may vary slightly.
Tips for Watching Birds in Cherry Blossom Trees
If you want to observe birds in cherry blossom trees, a few simple tips can help.
Good places to look include:
- Large cherry trees in parks
- Cherry trees along rivers
- Quiet areas slightly away from crowds
Birds are often more active in the early morning.
Even without binoculars, you can often spot birds if you watch the branches carefully.
Observation Tips
- Look for movement in the branches, not only the flowers
- Listen for bird calls around the tree
- Watch the same tree patiently for a few minutes
Birds sometimes appear suddenly and quickly move to another branch.
Conclusion
Cherry blossom season is not only a time to enjoy beautiful flowers, but it is also a great opportunity to observe birds.
Common species such as the Brown-eared Bulbul, Japanese White-eye, and Eurasian Tree Sparrow often gather in cherry blossom trees.
When you enjoy cherry blossoms, try looking into the branches as well. You may discover birds quietly moving among the flowers.
