Abstract
Since 1966, banding and recovery research on Reed Bunting Emberiza shoeniclus has been implemented in Aichi Prefecture, central Honshu. Efforts were increased in 1986, and as a result, by 1992 a total of 9,145 buntings were banded, and there were 146 recoveries which provided data on migration patterns. Analysis of these recoveries shows that Reed Buntings utilize two distinctive fall migration routes. One of these is a short, direct route down the center of Honshu, while the other is a more circuitous route along the Pacific Ocean side. Recoveries from other prefectures suggest that the birds travelling the central route are bound for wintering grounds in southern and western Japan, while those travelling the Pacific route are headed for the Kanto and Chubu areas of the central Pacific coast. Aichi Prefecture is located at the boundary of these two main wintering areas. Preliminary data indicate that approximately 60% of the migrating buntings use the central route, and 40% use the Pacific route. This conclusion, however, must be verified by further research, as regional differences in the extent of banding and recovery activities may also be a factor.
