The Hwamei is a medium-sized, strikingly marked bird, best known for its beautiful and varied song, often incorporating mimicry. Its most distinctive feature is a prominent white eye-ring and stripe. Hwameis are highly prized cage birds in Asia, which unfortunately impacts wild populations.
Where to spot
Native to China and northern Vietnam, with introduced populations in other regions like Hong Kong and Japan. It inhabits dense undergrowth, bamboo thickets, scrubland, and secondary forests, often near streams.
How to spot
First, listen for their rich, fluty, and often mimetic songs. They can be shy, so observing quietly near dense vegetation is recommended. Look for the distinctive white eye-ring and stripe for identification.
When to spot
Resident throughout its range, Hwameis are most vocal during the breeding season, typically spring and early summer. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to hear their calls.
Where to spot
Native to China and northern Vietnam, with introduced populations in other regions like Hong Kong and Japan. It inhabits dense undergrowth, bamboo thickets, scrubland, and secondary forests, often near streams.
How to spot
First, listen for their rich, fluty, and often mimetic songs. They can be shy, so observing quietly near dense vegetation is recommended. Look for the distinctive white eye-ring and stripe for identification.
When to spot
Resident throughout its range, Hwameis are most vocal during the breeding season, typically spring and early summer. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to hear their calls.
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
The Hwamei's name translates to 'painted eyebrow' in Chinese, referring to its distinctive white eye-stripe. They are renowned for their singing abilities and are often kept as pet birds for their melodic calls, even used in singing contests.
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