Naturalization of Exotic Hwamei Garrulax canorus in Northern Kyushu, Japan

Escaped Hwamei Garrulax canorus have naturalized in northern Kyushu. The distribution and the habitat of G. canorus were analyzed via questionnaires sent to birdwatchers in 1995. G. canorus were distributed mainly in the central part of Fukuoka Prefecture, and their distribution reached the eastern part of Saga Prefecture and the western part of Oita Prefecture. The oldest record of G. canorus was in the first half of 1980's. The reports of the new sightings of G. canorus increased in 1990's. Thus, its distribution seems to be spreading. The main habitat of G. canorus was the bush layer and the ground of forests on low mountains and hills.