What kind of bird is the "Nicknamed Narcissus Flycatcher"? Where can you see this wild bird that has become the prefecture's official mascot? [Fukushima Prefecture]

Each prefecture has a designated mascot, such as a flower or animal, that symbolizes the prefecture. The bird of Fukushima Prefecture is the Narcissus flycatcher. However, you probably don't know what kind of bird it is just by hearing the name

This time, I would like to delve deeper into the relationship between the Narcissus flycatcher and Fukushima Prefecture

---

What is a Narcissus Flycatcher

First of all, what kind of bird is the Narcissus flycatcher?

The Narcissus Flycatcheris a migratory bird found throughout Japan. After spending the warm season in Japan and breeding, it migrates to Southeast Asia and other areas to overwinter. During the summer, it can only be seen in broadleaf forests, but during the spring and autumn migration seasons, it can sometimes be seen in flat areas and lowlands such as gardens and parks.

Its body length is 13 to 14 centimeters. It is classified as a member of the family Muscicapidae, subfamily Pycnonotidae, of the order Passeri, but is smaller than a sparrow. Male Narcissus flycatchers have a beautiful appearance with a clear contrast between their vibrant yellow and black. They are characterized by yellow eyebrow-like lines, a deep, almost orange color at the base of their throat, and white spots on their wings

On the other hand, females have a plain, grayish-green appearance. They have few patterns, and there are other birds that look similar, such as the blue-and-white flycatcher, so it can be difficult to tell them apart. Young males also look similar to females

Incidentally, the English name for the Japanese Paradise Flycatcher is "Narcissus Flycatcher." A flycatcher is a type of flycatcher that catches flying insects. Narcissus means daffodil. The bright yellow color of the male must have reminded people of the daffodil flower.

The Narcissus flycatcher also has a distinctive song. When the breeding season arrives in spring, males begin to sing beautiful songs to attract the attention of females. Their high, clear song carries far and wide, and is characterized by a rolling rhythm. There are many variations in the way they sing, and there are also many variations in the way their songs are written

• Pichupichupich
• Churichuri
• Piccoloro

It is said that it sometimes imitates the calls of other birds, and this beautiful song is a clue to finding the small Narcissus flycatcher in the forest

---

Why did the Narcissus flycatcher become the bird of Fukushima Prefecture?

The Narcissus Flycatcher was selected as the "prefectural bird" of Fukushima Prefecture in 1965.However, as mentioned earlier, the Narcissus Flycatcher is a migratory bird. So why was it chosen as the prefectural bird of Fukushima?

In fact, rather than there being any special story behind it, it seems that the reason is that it is a bird that is familiar to the prefecture and was the most popular among the candidates for the prefecture's bird and animal. The following five species were nominated as candidates for the prefecture's bird and animal

• Narcissus flycatcher
• Skylark
• Varied tit
• Cuckoo
• squirrel

From the above, we asked the public to send in postcards to choose their favorite bird, and the Narcissus flycatcher received the most votes. Because Narcissus flycatchers are found widely throughout the prefecture's mountains, it is assumed that they have lived close to the people of the prefecture since ancient times. There are also records of them being kept as pets in the Aizu region until before the war

By the way, the bird of Fukushima Prefecture is the Narcissus flycatcher, the prefectural flower is the Nemoto rhododendron, and the prefectural tree is the zelkova

---

The Narcissus flycatcher is the motif for the official Fukushima Prefecture mascot

The Narcissus Flycatcher"Kibitan," the symbol character representing the recovery of Fukushima Prefectureis the motif for

Kivitan is a mascot chosen through public entries for the 50th National Athletic Meet (Fukushima National Sports Festival) in 1995. Kivitan is a yellow bird that brings happiness, with a green antenna on its head, and is said to have the role of spreading the appeal and current status of Fukushima. As he was originally a mascot created for the Fukushima National Sports Festival, he wears sports shoes

At the Utsukushima Future Expo held in 2001,"Kibimama," "Kibii," and "Kibimaru"were introduced, making them a family of four. Since the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, they have been used as the symbolic characters for Fukushima Prefecture's recovery.

The official Fukushima Prefecture YouTube channelfeatures a Kibitan corner where content showcasing Kibitan's activities is streamed. Please support Kibitan as he works tirelessly for Fukushima Prefecture.

---

When it comes to bird watching spots in Fukushima Prefecture, the first thing that comes to mind is "Kotori no Mori"

Fukushima Prefecture boasts abundant natural beauty in every city and town, with numerous spots for birdwatching. Among them, "Kotori no Mori" (Little Bird Forest) in Fukushima City is particularly well-known as a representative birdwatching spot. Despite being relatively close to the city center, it allows visitors to leisurely observe the changing seasons, making it a popular destination for integrated learning and field trips by nearby schools.

There are three well-maintained nature observation trails in the Satoyama, which is located at an altitude of 60 to 250 meters. In the summer, you have a chance to spot wild birds such as Narcissus flycatchers and Japanese paradise flycatchers, and in the winter, thrushes and Daurian robins. The nature center in the heart of the forest provides information about the forest's natural environment, so even first-time visitors can feel at ease. In addition, observation events are held irregularly so you can enjoy seasonal nature, so it would be a good idea to visit these as well

In addition, in the Little Bird Forest, you can enjoy the sight of clusters of dogtooth violets in early spring

Fukushima City Kotori no Mori <Information>

• Name: Fukushima City Little Bird Forest
• Address: 98-98 Yamaguchi Miyawaki, Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture, 960-8202
• Phone number: 024-531-8411
• Official URL:https://f-kotorinomori.org/

Google Map

---

Fukushima Prefecture and the Narcissus flycatcher have a good relationship

This time we took a deep dive into the Narcissus flycatcher, a bird native to Fukushima Prefecture

The Narcissus flycatcher, a migratory bird with a beautiful appearance and voice, has long been familiar to the people of Fukushima Prefecture. After being selected as the prefecture's bird, it became even more closely associated with the prefecture after it became the motif for the mascot character "Narcissus flycatcher."

Narcissus flycatchers begin their life in Japan from spring to autumn. If you hear their beautiful song, be sure to stop and look for them. If you see their vibrant and beautiful appearance, you might feel a little happy

---