A Field Guide to Yakushima’s Wild Birds! A Comprehensive Guide to the Yakushima Jay, 8 Endemic Species, and Best Spotting Locations
Yakushima is a birdwatcher's paradise!
An Island Where You Can Encounter Endemic Species
Yakushima is home to vast, lush forests that have been designated as a World Natural Heritage Site, andAn Island Perfect for BirdwatchingIt is.
In this article, we’ll introduce the endemic wild birds found only on Yakushima, as well as some great spots for birdwatching!
With binoculars in hand,Unique to YakushimaWhy not try your hand at birdwatching?
◆For those who want to learn about Yakushima’s endemic animals in addition to wild birds
◆For those interested in wild birds endemic to Yakushima
◆For beginners in birdwatching who want to know where to go
Recommended Tours on Yakushima
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The Relationship Between Yakushima's Natural Environment and Wild Birds
On Yakushima, the climate ranges from subtropical to subalpine zonesDiverse VegetationThe area has expanded, and wild birds that have adapted to their respective environments live there.
First, let’s take a look at the relationship between Yakushima’s natural environment and its wild birds.
A Forest Designated as a World Natural Heritage Site
In 1993, Yakushima, along with the Shirakami Mountains, became the first site in Japan to be designated as a World Natural Heritage Site.
Over 1,000 years oldYakushima cedar (esp. one over 1000 years old)From the coastal evergreen broadleaf forests to the Yakusugi cedar forests in the mountainous regions, a variety of precious forests—each distinct at different elevations—stretch across the area.
This largely untouched natural environment serves as a habitat for a diverse array of wild birds.
Since about 90 percent of the island is covered by forest, all over the island you’ll findSigns of Wild BirdsBeing able to experience that is one of the unique charms of Yakushima.
◆Directions: About 35–40 minutes by plane from Kagoshima Airport
About Yakushima, a World Natural Heritage Site
▼For more information, please click here.
Ecosystem Diversity Resulting from Elevation Gradients
Yakushima spans a small area, ranging from the coastline at 0 meters above sea level to Mt. Miyanoura, the highest peak in Kyushu,Significant elevation differenceThere are
Due to this elevation difference, a variety of vegetation zones—ranging from the subtropical climate of the coastal areas to the cool-temperate and subarctic climates near the mountaintops—are concentrated within a short distance.
Therefore, from the lowlands to the highlands,Wild birds that prefer different environmentsOne of Yakushima's greatest attractions is the chance to observe them!
One of the unique pleasures of Yakushima is being able to experience firsthand how the vegetation and variety of wild birds change simply by walking up the hiking trails.
Yakushima Mountain Climbing/Trekking Tour
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▼Click here for recommended hiking tours on Yakushima▼
Found on Yakushima
8 Selected Wild Birds and Endemic Species
Yakushima is home to species, including endemic and rare ones,Wild Birds with Distinctive PersonalitiesThere are many of them living there.
Here, we’ll introduce eight representative species of wild birds that can be spotted on Yakushima.
Yakushima Jay
The Yakushima Jay is found only on Yakushima and Tanegashima,Endemic subspecies of the crow familyIt is.
Its plumage is darker than that of the Japanese jay found on Honshu, and it is characterized by glossy, deep-blue feathers; its distinctive, hoarse “jay” call in the forest is particularly memorable.
In broad-leaved forests, they are sometimes observed engaging in a behavior called “food hoarding,” in which they carry acorns and bury them in the ground for storage.
RelativelySpecies that are easy to observeFor this reason, it is often the first endemic species visitors encounter on Yakushima.
Wren
The Japanese White-eye isOne of the smallest in JapanIt is a small bird commonly seen along the mountain streams of Yakushima.
Despite its small size—measuring just about 10 cm in length—it is known for its loud, clear voice, which produces complex songs.
Its adorable appearance—with its brown feathers and tail feathers standing straight up—is another reason for its popularity.
Shiratani Unsui Gorge (Shiratani Unsui Gorge)If you take a walk along mountain streams like these, you might just have a chance to encounter them amid the sound of the water!
Great Thrush
The Great Thrush is found only on Yakushima and Amami Oshima,Subspecies of the Brown ThrushIt is.
It is known for making a melancholic, distinctive "hyururu" call at night or in the early morning, especially in foggy forests.
Because their population is small and their habitat is limited,I'd be so lucky to meet youIt can certainly be considered a wild bird.
Rather than just looking for them, you’ll have a better chance of spotting them if you learn to recognize their distinctive calls first.
Red-bearded
The male red-bearded bird has vivid plumage extending from its head to its back.Reddish-brownIt is a beautiful little bird with [ ] feathers.
It is black from its face to its chest, and the name comes from the fact that this black area resembles a beard.
It inhabits the humid forests of the Nansei Islands, such as Yakushima and Amami Ōshima.
Since they prefer dimly lit thickets, to catch a glimpse of them,Persistent ObservationYou'll need that.
If you hear a clear, beautiful song, take a close look around the nearby thickets.
Three-toed Cuckoo
The three-colored bunting is characterized by the male's long tail feathers,Summer birds that arrive in early summerIt is.
It was given a name meaning "moon, sun, and star" because of its distinctive call, which sounds like "Tsukihi-hoshi, hoi hoi hoi."
The male, with its blue eye ring and long tail feathers, looks likeA beauty you'll never forget once you've seen itIt is.
Why not try to spot them and listen for their calls in the forests of Yakushima in early summer?
Robin
The robin got its name because it sings a "hinkarakara" call that sounds like a horse's neigh.
In YakushimaThe dimly lit forest floor in high-altitude areasIt is often seen in .
It’s known for its orange face and chest, and its beautiful song has long been a favorite among birdwatchers.
I was walking along a mountain trail when suddenly...A Beautiful VoiceIf you hear that sound, it might be a robin!
Japanese Tit
The Japanese tit isFriendly personalityIt is a member of the great tit family, known for...
It is one of the wild birds that can be observed relatively easily in the forests of Yakushima, andRecommended for beginnersThe following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.
They have a habit of hoarding nuts, and if you watch them closely, you can observe their interesting behavior as they deftly handle acorns.
The key identifying features are its orange-tinged abdomen and the black and cream-colored markings on its head.
Japanese White-eye
The Japanese white-eye isWhite rings around the eyesIt is a familiar wild bird known for its distinctive features.
On Yakushima, too, you can see them flitting about in search of nectar all year round.
In the spring,Camellia and hibiscus flowersIt is also common to see them perched there.
If you remember its "chi-chu-ru-chu-ru" call, it's easier to notice it's there even when you can't see it.
3 Popular Spots Recommended for Birdwatching
Yakushima Island hasSpots Ideal for Birdwatchingare scattered throughout the area.
Here, we’ll introduce three areas that we especially recommend, so please use this as a guide for your observation route.
Shiratani Unsui Gorge (Shiratani Unsui Gorge)
Shiratani-unsui Gorge isMossy forestIt is one of Yakushima's most iconic tourist attractions, stretching out before you.
As you walk along the trail by the mountain stream, you can take your time observing wild birds like the Japanese white-eye.
It is said to have served as a model for the movieFantastic sceneryAnother great thing is that you can enjoy them all together!
◆Directions: About a 35-minute drive from Yakushima Airport
Hakutani Unsui Gorge Trekking Tour
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▼Click here for our recommended Shiraya-Unsui Gorge tour▼
Yakusugiland
YakusugilandGiant Yakusugi TreesIt is a natural recreation forest dotted with [...].
There are four courses available, andbeginnerBut you can still enjoy a casual walk in the woods.
As you walk along the path around the giant trees, why not take a moment to listen closely to the songs of wild birds coming from deep within the forest?
Access: 45 minutes by car from Yakushima Airport
Yakusugiland Trekking Tour
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Yakusugiland Trekking Tour
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Western Forest Road
The Western Forest Road is a precious area of virgin forest that is also included within the World Natural Heritage site.
Vehicles are also permitted to pass throughOne of its attractions is that it's easy to spot wild birds and wildlife from the roadside.
Yakushima sika (Cervus nippon yakushimae)and ... andYakushima macaque (Macaca fuscata yakui)You'll often encounter them, so please drive slowly and carefully.
Animals are especially active in the morning and evening, so you'll have more opportunities to spot them!
◆Directions: About a 55-minute drive from Yakushima Airport
Click here for Western Forest Road Tour Ranking
▼Click here for recommended western forest road tours.
Be sure to check out the animals found only on Yakushima
In addition to wild birds, Yakushima also has,Rare animals found only on this island...live there.
Be sure to check this out, too!
Yakushima shrew (Crocidura yakushimai)
The Yakushima mouse isEndemic Species of Yakushima IslandIt is a small field mouse known as [...].
Although it looks like a rodent, it is actually classified in the order Insectivora, which is closely related to moles.
Because they are nocturnalThere are few opportunities for it to be seen by the public,...Observation is not easy.
It can certainly be said to be a precious species that symbolizes the richness of Yakushima’s forest ecosystem.
Yakushima Deer and Yakushima Macaque
The Yakushima deer and the Yakushima macaque are,Smaller than individuals found on HonshuThis is an endemic subspecies characterized by that feature.
Shiratani Unsui Gorge (Shiratani Unsui Gorge)and ... andWestern Forest RoadYou can see them fairly often in places like these!
Yakushima macaques, in particular, often travel in groups, so you may even get to observe parent-and-child interactions.
Please keep a safe distance from the wildlife and enjoy observing them quietly without feeding them.
About the Wildlife of Yakushima
▼For more information, please click here.
To Make Observation Even More Enjoyable
What to Bring & Etiquette
To make birdwatching more enjoyable,Items That Are Handy to HaveandEtiquette to Keep in Mindto the following.
Binoculars and Field Guides That Come in Handy
To make your birdwatching experience more enjoyable, we've put together a list of items you'll want to pack in advance.
◆A Field Guide to Wild Birds for Identifying Species
◆Smartphone Bird Identification Apps
◆Rain Gear & Waterproof Cases
Since it rains a lot on Yakushima,Waterproofing MeasuresIf you make sure to do this properly, you'll be able to enjoy observing with peace of mind.
About the Weather and What to Pack for Yakushima
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Participate in a bird-watching event organized by the Yakushima Wild Bird Society
The Yakushima Wild Bird Society regularlyWild Bird Watching EventWe are holding an event.
Since you can walk with a knowledgeable guide,Recommended for beginnersIt is.
Another appealing aspect is that you can learn about the calls and appearances of wild birds that you might not notice on your own.
If you'd like to participate, please check the official information in advance to confirm the event dates and meeting locations.
About Birdwatching on Yakushima
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
We recommend visiting from April through June, when summer birds such as the Oriental Cuckoo arrive. Since this is their breeding season, it’s easy to observe them singing actively, and it’s also a great time to enjoy a walk through the forest with its fresh greenery.
Of course, you’ll have a great time. You can start by observing common wild birds, such as the Japanese tit and the Japanese white-eye, along well-maintained walking trails like those at Yakusugi Land. And if you join a bird-watching tour organized by the Yakushima Bird Watchers’ Association, your guide will explain everything to you in detail.
In addition to binoculars and a bird field guide, rain gear is essential on Yakushima because it rains frequently. It’s also a good idea to bring comfortable walking shoes and warm clothing for long walks through the forest.
summary
Yakushima is home to endemic species such as the Yakushima jay and the great thrush, among othersA Variety of Wild BirdsIt's an island where you can meet them!
There are plenty of observation spots, such as Shiratani Unsuikyo and Yakusugi Land.
With binoculars in one hand,Birdwatching Unique to YakushimaPlease be sure to enjoy it.
▼Click here for articles to read in conjunction with this article.
![[Yakushima · Private Tour] Led by a Female Guide! A Relaxing One-Day Forest Tour to Recharge Among Moss and Yakusugi Cedars](https://yakushima-tour.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/a0e0857e7f1ee70e49fee427cac12402-825x510.jpg)
