An 18-Year-Old Crested Ibis's Spring Romance
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It has been 17 years since the crested ibis was reintroduced into the wild on Sado Island following its extinction in nature in 1981. This spring of 2025, an 18-year-old male formed a pair with a young, three-year-old female. Although they did not produce any chicks this season, we take a closer look at the life and journey of Crested Ibis No 50.
Thanks to a special breeding program, crested ibis were born again on Sado Island in 1999. Then, 17 years ago in 2008, as part of the reintroduction program, the first birds were released into the wild. Of the many birds I encounter on my daily photo walks, one in particular has stood out to me: No 50. He is now an 18-year-old male.
One fascinating part of ibis monitoring is that every released bird wears a numbered leg band, allowing researchers to track individuals over time. These bands, fitted before release, make it possible to monitor survival, habitats, pairings, and even family relationships.
When reviewing my photos, I noticed No 50 appearing in many of my best shots. Since the start of 2025, he's also become a regular presence in the area near my home. No 50, with a healthy appetite. (© Fumie Oyama)
Veterinarian Yoshinori Kaneko has spent 32 years working on the crested ibis reintroduction project at the Sado Japanese Crested Ibis Conservation Center. Even for him, No 50 holds a special place.
Born in 2007, No 50 is the third of four brothers from a rare clutch laid by Shinshin, the offspring of Yuyuu and Yangyang, a pair gifted to Japan from China to aid in the species' revival.
"Most ibis nests produce no more than three chicks," Kaneko recalls. "But this was the first time we had a full clutch of four hatchlings at the center, so I remember them well." Only three such four-chick clutches have ever occurred there. Kaneko graciously shared a rare photo of No 50's family for this essay. No 50 (second from right) with his parents and brothers, aged 21–31 days. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Yoshinori Kaneko)
Crested ibises lay their eggs one day apart, meaning there can be up to a week between the first and fourth hatchings. A newborn weighs about 50 grams, but within a week, the older siblings may reach 150 grams. This size difference can be fatal for the youngest, who are often crushed beneath older siblings or outcompeted for food. Some wander the nest in search of nourishment, fall out, and don't survive. Announcing spring, as No 50 carries a branch through blooming cherry blossoms. (© Fumie Oyama)
No 50 was released into the wild in November 2010. Of the four brothers born that year, he is now the only one still alive. At 18 years old, he is the second-oldest surviving crested ibis among those released. (The oldest is a 19-year-old male born in 2006.)
Crested ibises can live for over 20 years in captivity, but in the wild, survival rates decline sharply after 10 years due to harsher conditions. Despite these odds, No 50 — now paired with a female 15 years younger than himself — spent this season busily gathering twigs and building a nest. Still, no chicks were born.
Male ibises typically remain fertile until around age 20, while females usually stop breeding by 18. No 50 is likely approaching the end of his reproductive years. Yet his continued participation in breeding, 15 years after his release, is a testament to his remarkable vitality.
I plan to keep following his journey. No 50 in the snow. (© Fumie Oyama) No 50 carrying nesting twigs. (© Fumie Oyama)
Click here to read more Sado Wildlife in Focus photo essays by photojournalist Fumie Oyama.
This report was first published on Japan 2 Earth, a JAPAN Forward website featuring Japan's SDGs initiatives. It is the 17th in the series, Sado Wildlife in Focus by photojournalist Fumie Oyama .
Author: Fumie Oyama
Fumie Oyama is a two-time winner of the Japan Newspaper Publishers & Editors Association Award as a photographer for The Sankei Shimbun. After covering the reintroduction of the crested ibis to the wild for 11 years, Oyama left the company in 2020 to move to Sado Island. There, he continues to photograph the ibis and other wildlife while engaging in farming. He currently promotes the charms of Sado Island as a photojournalist. Follow Fumie Oyama on Instagram .
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Japan Forward
05-06-2025
- Japan Forward
An 18-Year-Old Crested Ibis's Spring Romance
このページを 日本語 で読む It has been 17 years since the crested ibis was reintroduced into the wild on Sado Island following its extinction in nature in 1981. This spring of 2025, an 18-year-old male formed a pair with a young, three-year-old female. Although they did not produce any chicks this season, we take a closer look at the life and journey of Crested Ibis No 50. Thanks to a special breeding program, crested ibis were born again on Sado Island in 1999. Then, 17 years ago in 2008, as part of the reintroduction program, the first birds were released into the wild. Of the many birds I encounter on my daily photo walks, one in particular has stood out to me: No 50. He is now an 18-year-old male. One fascinating part of ibis monitoring is that every released bird wears a numbered leg band, allowing researchers to track individuals over time. These bands, fitted before release, make it possible to monitor survival, habitats, pairings, and even family relationships. When reviewing my photos, I noticed No 50 appearing in many of my best shots. Since the start of 2025, he's also become a regular presence in the area near my home. No 50, with a healthy appetite. (© Fumie Oyama) Veterinarian Yoshinori Kaneko has spent 32 years working on the crested ibis reintroduction project at the Sado Japanese Crested Ibis Conservation Center. Even for him, No 50 holds a special place. Born in 2007, No 50 is the third of four brothers from a rare clutch laid by Shinshin, the offspring of Yuyuu and Yangyang, a pair gifted to Japan from China to aid in the species' revival. "Most ibis nests produce no more than three chicks," Kaneko recalls. "But this was the first time we had a full clutch of four hatchlings at the center, so I remember them well." Only three such four-chick clutches have ever occurred there. Kaneko graciously shared a rare photo of No 50's family for this essay. No 50 (second from right) with his parents and brothers, aged 21–31 days. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Yoshinori Kaneko) Crested ibises lay their eggs one day apart, meaning there can be up to a week between the first and fourth hatchings. A newborn weighs about 50 grams, but within a week, the older siblings may reach 150 grams. This size difference can be fatal for the youngest, who are often crushed beneath older siblings or outcompeted for food. Some wander the nest in search of nourishment, fall out, and don't survive. Announcing spring, as No 50 carries a branch through blooming cherry blossoms. (© Fumie Oyama) No 50 was released into the wild in November 2010. Of the four brothers born that year, he is now the only one still alive. At 18 years old, he is the second-oldest surviving crested ibis among those released. (The oldest is a 19-year-old male born in 2006.) Crested ibises can live for over 20 years in captivity, but in the wild, survival rates decline sharply after 10 years due to harsher conditions. Despite these odds, No 50 — now paired with a female 15 years younger than himself — spent this season busily gathering twigs and building a nest. Still, no chicks were born. Male ibises typically remain fertile until around age 20, while females usually stop breeding by 18. No 50 is likely approaching the end of his reproductive years. Yet his continued participation in breeding, 15 years after his release, is a testament to his remarkable vitality. I plan to keep following his journey. No 50 in the snow. (© Fumie Oyama) No 50 carrying nesting twigs. (© Fumie Oyama) Click here to read more Sado Wildlife in Focus photo essays by photojournalist Fumie Oyama. This report was first published on Japan 2 Earth, a JAPAN Forward website featuring Japan's SDGs initiatives. It is the 17th in the series, Sado Wildlife in Focus by photojournalist Fumie Oyama . Author: Fumie Oyama Fumie Oyama is a two-time winner of the Japan Newspaper Publishers & Editors Association Award as a photographer for The Sankei Shimbun. After covering the reintroduction of the crested ibis to the wild for 11 years, Oyama left the company in 2020 to move to Sado Island. There, he continues to photograph the ibis and other wildlife while engaging in farming. He currently promotes the charms of Sado Island as a photojournalist. Follow Fumie Oyama on Instagram . このページを 日本語 で読む
Japan Forward
23-05-2025
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このページを 日本語 で読む Four years have passed since I moved from Tokyo to Sado Island. My reason for moving was to photograph the crested ibis, designated a Special Natural Monument of Japan. Now, my lens has turned to another familiar resident: the green pheasant, Japan's national bird. I often find them strutting confidently through my garden. These days, the pheasant's shrill cries of "kek-kek-kek" often jolt me awake, just as I'm savoring my last few moments of sleep before an early shoot. Green pheasants are not strong fliers. Instead, they prefer to stay hidden among fields and reed beds. Males are especially striking, with long tail feathers, an iridescent green body reminiscent of a peacock, and a vivid red face. During the breeding season (April to July), the red fleshy patches on their faces swell into a heart-like shape. To assert their territory, males call loudly and then beat their wings in a rhythmic display. Females, by contrast, are drab brown and blend seamlessly into their surroundings. They usually stay close to the males during the breeding season but are so well-camouflaged that spotting one is a real challenge. Females build their nests in shallow depressions on the ground and are solely responsible for raising the young. It's only natural that the caretakers of the next generation would wear colors that help them stay hidden. This time, I was fortunate enough to capture a rare shot of a male and female together in the same frame. A female pheasant (foreground) and a brightly colored male. (©Fumie Oyama) Veterinarian Yoshinori Kaneko, who has been an invaluable source during my coverage of the crested ibis, shared some insight. According to Kaneko, Japan is home to four subspecies of green pheasant. The Northern Green Pheasant is found in northern Honshu, including Sado Island. The other subspecies include the Tokai Green Pheasant in central Honshu and Shikoku, the Kyushu Green Pheasant in southern Honshu and Kyushu, and the Island Green Pheasant, which is native to Tanegashima and surrounding islands. The Northern Green Pheasant of Sado was once known for its large size and its unstriped tail feathers. Despite its status as the national bird, pheasants are legally hunted in Japan. Over time, artificial breeding and release programs have been carried out across the country, gradually blurring the differences between subspecies. The pheasants I photographed showed none of the distinctive features once unique to Sado. Today, there are no recent reports of sightings, and it is possible that Sado's native pheasants have become extinct. The stripes on the tail feathers show that this is not the original northern green pheasant of Sado. (©Fumie Oyama) Naturally shy by temperament, the green pheasant becomes bold during the breeding season. When a male spots a rival encroaching on his territory, a fight can break out in an instant. One day, while I was shooting, two pheasants suddenly burst out of a nearby field and clashed midair. Just as quickly as it began, the battle ended, and the birds vanished from sight. It was likely a contest over a female. The green pheasant is polygamous. A single male mates with multiple females but plays no role in raising the young. Females, by contrast, are fiercely maternal. They are known to stay put to protect their nests—even when fire threatens or a lawnmower draws near—often at the cost of their own lives. A fierce clash between green pheasants. (©Fumie Oyama) Endemic to Japan, the green pheasant can be found widely from Honshu to Kyushu. It is familiar in daily life and appears in ancient texts like the Kojiki and folktales such as Momotaro . The Ornithological Society of Japan designated it the national bird in 1947. Curiously, despite this honor, hunting pheasants is still permitted. Sometimes, while looking out the window at home, I catch the eye of a male pheasant patrolling the garden. He carries himself with great dignity. From his perspective, I'm probably the intruder. The pheasant's swollen red face forms a heart shape during breeding season. (©Fumie Oyama) Read more essays by photojournalist Fumie Oyama on Japan 2 Earth , a JAPAN Forward website featuring Japan's initiatives on the SDGs. Author: Fumie Oyama Fumie Oyama is a two-time winner of the Japan Newspaper Publishers & Editors Association Award as a photographer for The Sankei Shimbun. After covering the reintroduction of the crested ibis to the wild for 11 years, Oyama left the company in 2020 to move to Sado Island. There, he continues to photograph the ibis and other wildlife while engaging in farming. He currently promotes the charms of Sado Island as a photojournalist. Follow Fumie Oyama on Instagram . このページを 日本語 で読む
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このページを 日本語 で読む Sparrows, beloved by the Japanese and celebrated in children's songs, are now vanishing at a rate comparable to an endangered species. This unsettling trend was highlighted in a government report released in October 2024. Four years earlier in 2021, I relocated from Tokyo to Sado Island to photograph Japan's Special Natural Monument, the crested ibis. Recently, I turned my lens to sparrows for the very first time. Winter transforms Sado Island into a stark, chilly landscape. The vibrant autumn foliage is gone, and the rice fields lie bare after the harvest. Hoping to capture images of sparrows — a bird I frequently saw during harvest season — I set out in my car. I expected to find them quickly. Instead, the crested ibis, as usual, made its appearance. However, there wasn't a sparrow in sight. 'Not today, you guys,' I murmured as I passed the ibises, resolute in my search for sparrows. After over three hours of driving, I finally spotted them. 'Sparrow dango !' There they were, a large group of sparrows huddled tightly together among the reeds, resembling skewered sweet dumplings. This behavior, referred to in Japanese as 'sparrow dango ,' describes how sparrows perch in close clusters, evoking the image of sweet dumplings on a stick. Sparrows cluster tightly like dumplings, perched among the reeds. (©Fumie Oyama) Sparrows, measuring about 15 cm long, are native to Japan and widely distributed across the Eurasian continent. Thriving near human settlements such as urban areas and farmlands, they feed on seeds, insects, and even food scraps. Despite their proximity to people, sparrows are highly cautious and will flee at the slightest disturbance. A study conducted by Japan's Ministry of the Environment from 2005 to 2022 analyzed data from 325 satoyama sites. The findings revealed that sparrow populations are declining at an annual rate of 3.6%. This meets the criteria for classification as an endangered species on the Red List, which requires an annual decline of 3.5% or more. Likely causes of this decline include fewer traditional house eaves favored for nesting, shrinking farmland, and fewer insects due to environmental degradation. A flock of sparrows feeds on Canadian goldenrod seeds. (©Fumie Oyama) What about Sado? Masaoki Tsuchiya, head of the Sado branch of the Wild Bird Society of Japan, commented on the local sparrow population. 'We've never conducted a survey,' he said, 'but I don't think their numbers are declining.' However, sparrow populations in Sado saw a sharp decline in the 1950s and 60s. During this time, China, under Mao Zedong, implemented the Four Pests Campaign (1958–1962), which targeted sparrows, alongside rats, mosquitoes, and flies, for mass extermination. Tsuchiya speculates, 'Some sparrows migrate, so it's possible that China's mass culling of sparrows contributed to a decline in migratory populations during that period.' In Japan, sparrows have also been regarded as pests because they tend to feed on crops. Yet, they serve an important role in consuming insects. In China, the large-scale extermination of sparrows reportedly led to an explosion in insect populations. That ultimately contributed to a catastrophic famine. A large flock of sparrows huddles closely together.(©Fumie Oyama) Finding sparrows proved to be more difficult than I anticipated. With winter setting in and food sources like seeds and insects scarce, sparrows gathered in groups rather than spreading out. That was likely to avoid predators. Even when I spotted them, their skittish behavior — far more cautious than the crested ibis — caused them to take flight almost immediately, adding to the challenge. Japan once allowed the crested ibis to go extinct. Restoring its population has required an immense investment of time, money, and unrelenting effort, including reducing pesticide use on Sado Island. We cannot let sparrows, a vital part of nature's balance, suffer the same fate. Their presence is a reminder of the critical need to protect and preserve biodiversity. A sparrow feeds on a mantis nearly as tall as itself. (©Fumie Oyama) Sparrows are an integral part of biodiversity. (©Fumie Oyama) This report was first published on Japan 2 Earth. It is the 17th in the series, Sado Wildlife in Focus. Read more essays by photojournalist Fumie Oyama , a JAPAN Forward website featuring Japan's initiatives featuring the SDGs. EDITORIAL | Japan's Mongoose Eradication is Good News for Biodiversity Author: Fumie Oyama Fumio Oyama Fumie Oyama is a two-time winner of the Japan Newspaper Publishers & Editors Association Award as a photographer for the Sankei Shimbun. After covering the reintroduction of the crested ibis to the wild for 11 years, Oyama left the company in 2020 to move to Sado Island. There, he continues to photograph the ibis and other wildlife while engaging in farming. He currently promotes the charms of Sado Island as a photojournalist. Follow Fumie Oyama on Instagram. このページを 日本語 で読む
