Rock ptarmigan (raicho)
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In Japan, the rock ptarmigan is found in central Honshu, in mountains over 2,400m high. It is non-migratory and does not leave its habitat even in winter. The nest is built in a hollow and lined with grass; 5-10 eggs are laid during the June-July breeding season. The most remarkable feature of the rock ptarmigan, a member of the Tetraonidae (grouse) family, is its thrice-yearly change of plumage. The body plumage is striped grey and brown in summer; the grey stripes are replaced with white in autumn to give a mixed plumage. In winter the plumage is pure white except for a section near the eyes in the male bird. There is a red wattle over the eyes of both sexes.A reclusive bird, the raicho hides in creepers or rocks in daytime,venturing out in the morning and evening to feed on shoots, seeds, flowers and fruit. When feeding, the bird has no fear of humans and is easily caught. Now, due to the very small numbers existing in Japan, the bird is strictly protected as a natural monument. It is thought to have settled in the high mountains of Japan during the glacial period, having come from countries further north.
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