Crows displace Tokyo birds as urban habitats disappear

The number of breeding areas for birds in Tokyo has greatly declined from the 1970s, leading to a big reduction in the number of thrushes and larks and a marked increase in crows, according to the results of a survey recently released by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

Ornithologists attribute the decline in thrushes to progressive urban development, which has led to a decrease of forests in Tokyo, metropolitan officials said.

The Japan Society for Birds conducted the survey, which was commissioned by the metropolitan government, over three months from May to July 1997. It excludes islands off the mainland under Tokyo's jurisdiction. The results show 120 bird species inhabit Tokyo.