The Ryukyu minivet is a species of bird in the family Campephagidae. It is endemic to Japan. The species was previously thought to be a subspecies of the ashy minivet. Its specific name is named for the Japanese naturalist Seiichi Tegima.
Region
Ryukyu Islands, Japan
Typical Environment
Found on subtropical evergreen and mixed broadleaf forests of the Nansei (Ryukyu) archipelago, including forest edges, secondary woodlands, and wooded parks. It favors the midstory to canopy where it can sally after flying insects and glean from foliage. The species tolerates lightly disturbed habitats and plantations if tree cover is maintained. It is generally absent from treeless areas and dense urban cores.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 700 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Ryukyu minivet is endemic to Japan’s Ryukyu Islands and was formerly treated as a subspecies of the ashy minivet. It forages high in the canopy, often joining mixed-species flocks with tits and white-eyes. Its specific name honors Japanese naturalist Seiichi Tegima. Vocal distinctions and subtle plumage differences help separate it from the ashy minivet.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Often forages in small, mobile flocks and readily joins mixed-species parties. During breeding, pairs defend small territories and build neat cup nests high in trees, bound with spider silk and camouflaged with lichens. Clutches are small, and both parents provision the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, high-pitched whistles and sweet, piping notes, sometimes delivered in short phrases. Contact calls are thin and sibilant, used to keep flock cohesion in the canopy.
