Expansion of invasive Chinese hwamei into alpine habitats in Japan: First record of songs

Researchers at University of Tsukuba have, for the first time, recorded the songs of the Chinese hwamei Garrulax canorus (designated as an invasive alien species) in the alpine zone of Mt. Kisokoma in the Central Alps (approximately 2,770 m above sea level). These songs, produced by males during the breeding season, serve to establish territories and attract females. This finding, published in Bird Research, raises concerns that the breeding range of Chinese hwamei may be expanding from lowland habitats into the alpine zone.