Amami Oshima Birding Tour
Amami Oshima is well-known as a mecca for birdwatchers and a treasure trove of the endemic birds, such as the symbolic Lidth’s jay, Ryukyu robin, Owston’s white back woodpecker, and Amami thrush. It is a surprising fact that you can see more than 360 species of birds in the island while there are about 600 species in Japan. Get up early and go searching for Amamiian endemic birds!!
* Amamiian endemics *
Lidth’s jay
The symbolic jay inhabits all over the island from the villages to the coastlines, except for the central Naze town. Pretty easy to spot them by their typical noisy jay’s voice, “Jay..! Jay..!!”
Ryukyu robin
Once you get close to the woods in Amami Oshima, you will hear their beautiful calls from everywhere. Best to visit them in the morning for closer shots!
Owston’s white back woodpecker
One of the must-see birds in Amami Oshima. Their drumming sounds quite powerful and can be heard widely around the island.
Whistling green pigeon
Known as “Shakuhachi Bato (pigeon) in Amamiian native language, their call sounds like the Japanese bamboo flute, “Shakuhachi”. Best to search for them in the cherry trees in spring.
Amami thrush
The thrush is the hardest species to find in the island because of their small population. Best to search for them from the dawn, fifty-fifty chance, though!
* Seasonal migratory birds *
Ryukyu ruddy kingfisher
Also known as “Kukkaru” in Amamiian native language, Ryukyu ruddy kingfisher comes to the island in May annually to breed in the deep forests. Their beautiful calls echo around the mountainous areas in summer.
Japanese paradise flycatcher
One of the most popular summer migrants in Japan, with its exceptionally long tails (male) and the tropical blue eye rings. My favorite bird, it’s quite hard to find them, though!
Grey-faced buzzard
As a symbolic migrant of autumn in the island, you can start watching the buzzards circling in the sky from the end of September. Their number overwintering in Amami is estimated about 2300. Nice to hear their bluesy calls from the autumn clear sky.
* Where to bird?? *
Amami Nature Forest
Located at the north part of the island, Amami Nature Forest is a well-conserved forest park surrounded by evergreen oaks and a variety of endemic plants to Amami Oshima. Best to start early in the morning for “Big 3” Amamiian species, Lidth’s jay, Ryukyu robin, and Owston’s white back woodpecker.
Akina rice field
Akina is one of the villages scattered along East China Sea and the only area still cultivating rice in the island. Nice to stroll around the field to check each puddy for the variety of migrants resting their wings.
Ose beach
Located near the airport, Ose beach is one of the popular birdwatching spots in the island, especially for shore birds. Best at low tide. You might encounter rare species unexpectedly there…!!
* Above are my recommendations for Amami Oshima birding tour. Please let me know your targets and preferences so that I will tailor-make your schedule.
* Lunch is not included in the tour fee. However, I will take you to a local cuisine restaurant or an easy coffee / tea stop, depending on your preference.