1.
Japanese bush warbler (Horornis diphone)
A small olive-brown bird native to Japan, famous for its distinctive call ホーホケキョ. Associated with spring and considered one of Japan's most beloved birds.
鶯が鳴いている。
A bush warbler is singing.
春になると鶯の声が聞こえてくる。
When spring comes, you can hear the voice of the bush warbler.
早朝、庭の梅の木に止まった鶯がホーホケキョと鳴き、春の訪れを告げた。
Early in the morning, a bush warbler perched on the plum tree in the garden and called "hōhokekyo," announcing the arrival of spring.
The uguisu is considered a herald of spring in Japanese culture. Its call ホーホケキョ is one of the most recognized bird sounds in Japan.
CULTURAL NOTES:
- 鶯は春告鳥 (spring-heralding bird) as a poetic name
- 梅に鶯 (梅と鶯): plum blossom and bush warbler — a classic pairing in Japanese art and poetry symbolizing early spring
- 鶯の初音: the first call of the bush warbler in the new year — a classic seasonal theme
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- 鶯が鳴く: the bush warbler sings
- 鶯色: bush warbler color (yellow-green)