Sparrows Line Up: "There is a Colossal Creature" - A Closer Look at the Highlights: Top Predators

In 2001, Pixar released an animated short film titled "For the Birds", which depicts a group of small birds resting on a power line when a large bird approaches, only to be unwelcome by the smaller birds. Recently, this cartoon scene was humorously mirrored in Japan, where a flock of sparrows gathered on a power line, contrasting sharply with a much larger predator nearby.

A Japanese Twitter user with the handle @chibiko_todo, who is an avid bird enthusiast, shared an intriguing photo on January 3rd. The image shows numerous small sparrows perched on the wire, alongside a top predator that is dozens of times larger. Upon closer inspection, it was revealed that there were actually two raptors, their disheveled feathers blending together, making it tricky to identify them at first glance.

どうしてそんなにボサボサなの？ pic.twitter.com/2Am13zQTOM

— ちびこ (@chibiko_todo) January 3, 2025

This comparison photo attracted over 6 million views and sparked discussions among netizens, some expressing concern for the safety of the little sparrows. However, according to the Bird Ecology Research Institute at Pingtung University of Science and Technology, black kites are primarily scavengers that prefer carrion and dead fish. They occasionally catch small fish or insects but are not as skilled hunters as other raptors, posing minimal threat to nearby sparrows.

Some users humorously remarked on the indifferent expressions of the sparrows amidst the larger predator. According to the Ministry of Agriculture's knowledge portal and the Taiwan Raptor Research Society, the black kite (Milvus migrans) belongs to the family Accipitridae and is classified as a second-level protected species in Taiwan. These birds are considered "resident birds," meaning they live and breed in the same location year-round.

In Japan, black kites are also resident birds but migrate to the Ryukyu Islands during winter. During autumn and winter, they often gather in large groups and exhibit distinct "evening gathering" behaviors where they circle together at dusk. Known for their adaptability and fearlessness around humans, black kites are among the most urban-friendly raptors globally, frequently seen scavenging at ports, fish farms, agricultural fields, and even landfills. Their lightweight bodies allow them to soar effortlessly even in rainy coastal areas while engaging in playful aerial games with paper scraps or plastic bags.

Black kites are commonly spotted around Keelung Harbor, which is why they have been designated as Keelung City's official bird. Unfortunately, due to human impact, this beautiful raptor species is declining in numbers across Taiwan. Have you ever seen a black kite in Keelung?