Species identification of avian feathers in Japanese Habouki using feather morphological and molecular testing

Abstract

Habouki is a tool used in Japanese tea ceremonies consisting of a bundle of feathers from birds of prey and waterfowl. Habouki often include feathers from avian species that are legally protected. In this study, we examined three types of Habouki (Zabaki, Tsukamibane, and Mitsubane) suspected of containing feathers from legally protected species and conducted species identification through feather morphological examination and molecular analysis. Morphological examinations and molecular biological analyses targeting cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 region were conducted using the barbs of Habouki feathers. Genetic analysis revealed that Zabaki contained feathers from Aquila chrysaetos (genetic difference between Habouki feather and the control sample; 0.02 %), Tsukamibane contained Cygnus columbianus (0.16 %), and Mitsubane contained Ciconia boyciana (0.05 %). In the morphological examinations based on shape, color, and size, the Zabaki feather was presumed to be the rectrices of the Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), the Tsukamibane feather was the tertials of Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus) and Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus), and the Mitsubane feather was the secondary and tertial feathers of the Japanese White Stork (Ciconia boyciana). Habouki are currently not being produced. To safeguard the continuity of Japanese tea ceremony culture, it is crucial to protect Habouki and prevent illegal activities such as poaching. When determining whether feathers belong to rare species, it is recommended to conduct feather morphological examinations rather than molecular biological examinations, which destroy Habouki.