The Japanese grosbeak or Ikaru is a finch native to the East Palearctic. It is also sometimes referred to as the Japanese or masked hawfinch due to superficial similarities to the well-known Eurasian species.
Region
East Asia
Typical Environment
Found in Japan and parts of northeast Asia, including the Russian Far East, Korea, and northeastern China. It inhabits mature mixed and deciduous forests, forest edges, riverine groves, parks, and temple woodlands. During winter it descends into lowlands and often visits farmlands and urban green spaces. Breeding territories are typically in tall trees with good canopy cover, while nonbreeding flocks range widely in search of mast crops.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A robust finch of the East Palearctic, the Japanese grosbeak is instantly recognized by its black facial mask and oversized, pale-yellow bill. It cracks hard seeds that many other songbirds cannot handle. Outside the breeding season it often forms noisy flocks that roam between fruiting and seeding trees. Its mellow, whistled song contrasts with sharp, metallic contact calls.
Eophona personata
Eophona personata personata MHNT
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with undulating flight
Social Behavior
Breeds in pairs or small loose groups, placing a cup-shaped nest high in trees. Both sexes participate in feeding the young. Outside the breeding season it forms flocks that move nomadically following seed availability, often mixing with other finches.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Song is a series of mellow, flute-like whistles delivered from a perch. Calls are sharp, metallic ‘tik’ or ‘kik’ notes used to keep contact in flocks.
Plumage
Smooth ash-gray body with contrasting black head and throat mask, black wings and tail, and a bold white wing patch.
Diet
Primarily eats hard seeds and nuts, including beech mast and various tree seeds, which it cracks with its powerful bill. Also takes berries and fruits when available. In the breeding season it supplements with insects and larvae, especially for nestlings.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the canopy and mid-story of forests and along edges, as well as in parks and temple grounds with mature trees. In winter it often feeds on the ground beneath mast-bearing trees and visits orchards or gardens.
