BIRD SURVEY OF MT. KISOKOMA, CENTRAL HONSHU

Abstract

Mt. Kisokoma (2, 956m above the sea level) is the highest peak of the Chuo Alps, Central Honshu. The east side of it is classified into three zones, that is to say, mixed decidious forest at the altitudes of 900-1, 650m, coniferous forest and Betula Ermani zone at 1, 650-2, 600m, dwarf forest Pinus pumila to rocky zones at 2, 600-2, 956m.Bird censuses were made in. alpine zone 2, 612-2, 910m at altitude, throughout the year from middle of February, 1977 to early in February, 1978. This study was conducted by the use of line transect method, along the climbing route.14 species, 9 families of birds were recorded. I could not observe even one bird, during the days from late in November 1977 to middle of April 1978. Brown-eared Bulbul Hypsipetes amaurotis, Great tit Parus major and Brambling Fringilla montifringilla were observed crossing over the ridge above 2870m at altitude. As the passage of breeding season on the census line, Alpine Accentor Prunella collaris and Japanese Accentor Prunella rubida had been decreasing in number gradually.