Species information
Scientific name: Larvivora namiyei
Japanese name: ホントウアカヒゲ
Chinese name: 沖繩歌鴝
English name: Okinawa robin
Origin: Northern Okinawajima
Ecology and description
Okinawa robin is an endemic species found in the Yambaru area of northern Okinawajima. Male Okinawa robin have black feathers from the breast to the face, while females have gray feathers in the same area. Okinawa robin is active mostly in the forest understory and feeds on small ground animals like earthworms. It can sometimes be seen foraging on soil turned over by the Ryukyu wild boar.
The difference between Okinawa robin (L. namiyei) and Ryukyu Robin (L. komadori) is that Ryukyu Robin has black feathers on the ventral side, whereas Okinawa robin does not.
Field photographs taken during our tours, with observation dates
We may encounter this species during daytime 【Morning Birding】 or 【Forest Walk】 tours, particularly during the breeding season in March and April. It is less common to see them in winter.
