Internationally Protected Hong Yosae Observed on Seosaeng Coast, Ulju-gun, Ulsan

Over 200 Hong Yosae Spotted Between April 12 and 21 in Cheongnyang-eup
Unusually Large Flock Seen Migrating North from Wintering Grounds in Japan

The city of Ulsan announced that over 200 Hong Yosae, an internationally protected bird classified as Near Threatened (NT) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, were observed along the coast of Ulju-gun.

Hong Yosae. Photo by Yoon Giduk

This observation began on April 12, when Cho Hyunpyo, a Ulsan Bird correspondent residing in Mugeo-dong, Nam-gu, spotted about 20 Hong Yosae in Cheongnyang-eup, Ulju-gun.

Subsequently, from April 15 to 21, citizen biologist and photographer Yoon Giduk captured images of over 200 Hong Yosae feeding on the fruits of Trachelospermum asiaticum attached to Japanese black pines along the coast of Seosaeng-myeon, Ulju-gun.

Choi Changyong, a professor at Seoul National University, stated, "It appears that individuals who spent the winter in Japan stopped by the Ulsan coast and parks to feed and rest as they migrated north. It is highly unusual for such a large number of these birds to visit."

Hong Seungmin, CEO of Jjaekjjaek Rest Area, also commented, "Every year, a few Hong Yosae are observed feeding on fruits and new shoots in urban areas, including Taehwagang National Garden. However, this is the first time that a large group of 100 to 200 or more has been seen."

The Hong Yosae, a member of the waxwing family, is a rare winter migratory bird that arrives in late November and stays until late April.

They forage in flocks along forest edges. Their diet includes the new shoots and fruits of trees such as juniper, Cornus officinalis, Trachelospermum asiaticum, London plane, and Metasequoia, as well as mistletoe berries and insects.

Hong Yosae. Photo by Yoon Giduk

Females and males can be distinguished. If the lower part of the black area under the chin is not clearly defined, it is a female. If it is a clean black color, it is a male.

Hong Yosae, which sometimes forage together with Hwang Yosae, are similar in appearance. Immature individuals lack white markings on the inner primary feathers, which is also a characteristic of Hwang Yosae.

However, Hong Yosae can be distinguished by the red color at the tip of the tail and the edge of the secondary feathers, whereas Hwang Yosae have yellow in these areas.

An Ulsan city official stated, "Due to our geographical location and the season, this is a time when winter migratory birds are moving north and summer migratory birds are arriving. We aim to actively observe and protect the birds visiting Ulsan, together with bird correspondents, citizen biologists, and the public."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.