The Ryukyu robin is a bird endemic to the Ryūkyū Islands, of Japan. The Okinawa robin previously was considered a subspecies.
Region
Ryūkyū Islands, Japan
Typical Environment
Occurs in subtropical evergreen broadleaf forests with dense understory, especially shaded gullies and streamside thickets. Prefers mature forest with deep leaf litter where it forages quietly on the ground. It uses fallen logs, root tangles, and low shrubs for cover and song perches. Human-disturbed edges are generally avoided except where dense secondary growth provides adequate shelter.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 700 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Ryukyu robin is endemic to Japan’s Ryūkyū Islands, where it inhabits dense subtropical forests and is more often heard than seen. The Okinawa robin was formerly treated as a subspecies but is now recognized as a separate species. Its rich, fluty song carries far in the understory and is a hallmark of mature evergreen forests. It is sensitive to habitat loss and introduced predators, so intact forest is crucial for its persistence.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct dashes between cover
Social Behavior
Territorial during the breeding season, typically seen alone or in pairs. Nests low in dense vegetation, root tangles, or on ledges, where the female incubates and both parents feed the young. Outside breeding, it remains solitary but may loosely associate with mixed-species flocks in dense understory.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rich, melodious series of clear, fluty whistles delivered from low perches within the understory. Phrases are repeated with slight variation and carry well through dense foliage, especially at dawn.
