Archaic term for a crane, now replaced by 鶴 (つる). The name 千歳鳥 (thousand-year bird) reflects the crane's traditional association with longevity.
See also: 鶴
In old waka poetry, the crane is sometimes celebrated as a symbol of longevity.
Compound of 千歳 (ちとせ, 'a thousand years') and 鳥 (とり, 'bird'), referring to the crane's legendary long life. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the spelling is conventionally associated with this meaning.