Japanese Robin (Larvivora akahige) – Wildlife of Japan

Introduction

The Japanese Robin (Larvivora akahige) is a small, elusive songbird that brightens Japan’s shady mountain forests with its vivid orange face and beautiful, flute-like song. Known as one of Japan’s “Three Great Songbirds” alongside the Uguisu and Blue-and-white Flycatcher, it is a beloved symbol of spring in the Japanese mountains.

Appearance

Measuring about 14–15 cm in length, the Japanese Robin is compact but striking. Males show a bright orange face, throat, and breast, contrasting with olive-brown upperparts, a rufous tail, and a grayish belly. Females are similar but generally paler, and juveniles are mottled with spots.

Habitat

The Japanese Robin prefers cool, shady mountain forests, often along streams with dense vegetation and mossy ground. During the breeding season it inhabits montane forests from Hokkaidō to Kyūshū, while in winter it migrates to southern China, Taiwan, and nearby regions.

Behavior

A shy ground-forager, it hops among leaf litter while flicking its tail. Despite its secretive nature, it is highly vocal in spring. Its powerful, ringing song—often described as “hin-kara-kara”—is likened to a horse’s whinny, which gave rise to its Japanese name “Komadori” (literally “colt-bird”).

Diet

The species feeds mainly on insects, spiders, worms, and other invertebrates, gleaned from the forest floor. It also takes berries and small fruits, especially in autumn and during migration.

Reproduction

Breeding occurs from late May through July. The nest is a cup of moss, roots, and leaves, usually placed close to the ground—under roots, banks, or dense undergrowth. A typical clutch contains 3–5 eggs, incubated for about 13–14 days. Nestlings fledge roughly 12–14 days after hatching.

Conservation

The Japanese Robin is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN, with a stable global population. However, as a forest-dependent species, it may be locally vulnerable to habitat loss through deforestation or forest degradation. Continued protection of Japan’s mountain forests is essential to ensure its future.

Author’s Impression

Photographing this Japanese Robin took a great deal of patience. I could hear its song echoing through the valley for hours, but the bird itself never showed. After spending a long time hidden and waiting, it finally appeared — just long enough for me to capture the shot. I couldn’t help but make a small fist pump of joy afterward.

Video