The Ryukyu Robin: Singer of the Forest (Amami Oshima)
- Apr 23
- 2 min read
The Ryukyu robin (Luscinia komadori) is one of those birds you’ll often hear before you see. Its song carries through the forest, especially in the early morning, and once you notice it, you start picking it up more and more.
It’s found across the central Ryukyu Islands, including Amami Oshima, and is fairly common in the forest here during the breeding season, though not always easy to spot.
The male stands out when you do get a look at it, though only when he is up close. A deep red covers most of its upper body, with a stark black beard that often hides its jet-black eyes. The female is much more subdued, a dull reddish-brown that blends in easily, so it’s usually the male that catches your eye. Interestingly, its Japanese name is akahige, meaning “red beard,” which I always find funny, as its beard is clearly black and its cap is blatantly red. The interesting name is thought to come from a misreading of the original Japanese characters, which can be interpreted in more than one way.
Unlike a lot of birds that stay up in the canopy, this one spends a lot of time on the ground. You’ll see it moving through the undergrowth, stopping and starting as it searches for insects and other small food.
They can be quite active, but like most wildlife here, it really depends on the day. Sometimes they show themselves without much effort, other times you’ll only hear them and never quite get a proper look.
It was designated a National Natural Monument in 1970 and is currently listed as endangered.
If you’re interested in finding the Ryukyu robin or other local birdlife, feel free to get in touch about a birdwatching tour.
