The birds encountered on Miyake-jima Island
Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado's visit to Miyake-jima Island revealed incredible birds.
“Through the Lens” Fujingahou Magazine, October 2025
Photos and text by HIH Princess Takamado
Photo edited by Koichi Fujiwara (NATURE’S PLANET)
Edited by Yuki Masuda (Fujingahou)
English version prepared by BirdLife International.
(This English translation is provided for reference only and does not constitute an official version)
This year, I visited Miyake-jima Island for the first time in 45 years. I wanted to photograph birds that are difficult to see elsewhere, such as Izu Thrush and Izu Tit, which inhabit these islands. Although I had only a limited amount of time, I was delighted to capture many photographs. I’d like to share these images, some thoughts about Miyake-jima Island and the birds I encountered there.
50.5cm, Ardeidae family
This species has a wide distribution, with the Eastern subspecies being a resident bird in the southern parts of India, Southeast Asia, and Australia. In Japan, it is a summer visitor from Honshu to Kyushu, and a winter visitor to the Nansei Islands. It has a short beak, and its breeding plumage is characterized by orange-coloured feathers on the head, neck, and back.
The first photograph features a Cattle Egret (of the Eastern subspecies). While on the move, I noticed several perched in the treetops along a river and quickly got out to take pictures. At first, I rested my large lens on a bridge railing, but once the birds took flight I had to rely on hand-holding the camera. The breeding plumage, with its brilliant orange hue, appeared especially beautiful against the blue sky.
23cm, Turdidae family
An endemic species of Japan, Izu Thrush is resident in the laurel forests of the Izu Islands (excluding Torishima) and the Tokara Islands. In winter, it can sometimes be observed in areas such as the Izu Peninsula and Bōsō Peninsula. On Miyake-jima, the population declined to a quarter of its original size following the introduction of weasels, but it is reportedly recovering gradually.
The photo above shows an Izu Thrush, a bird designated as a Natural Monument of Japan. It belongs to the thrush family and resembles the Brown-headed Thrushes common on mainland Honshu, but with even redder plumage. I frequently observed them foraging along forest paths covered in fallen leaves, on the forest floor, and even in fields of Ashitaba (Angelica keiskei). Miyake-jima must be an abundant and secure habitat for Izu Thrushes to raise chicks. I watched them find insects and earthworms one after another, often carrying several at once back to their nest where hungry youngsters waited.
11.5cm, Phylloscopidae family
A summer visitor to the Izu Islands and the Tokara Islands, where it breeds in evergreen broadleaf forests. During migration seasons, this species can also be seen in various parts of Honshu, Kyushu, and Okinawa.
Next is a photo of Iijima’s Leaf Warbler. While searching for other species, I heard its characteristic call, “churiri-churiri-churiri”, nearby and was able to find the bird – this was the only time I saw it during the trip. This species is also designated a Natural Monument in Japan. I only encountered the species once, so I’ve included the photo despite it being taken against the light.
14cm, Paridae family
Izu Tit inhabits Miyake-jima, Mikura-jima, and Hachijo-jima. Typically, island-dwelling species tend to become smaller in size, but Izu Tit is slightly larger than Varied Tit. It is believed that this is due to Izu Island’s relatively large acorns, which may have driven the species to evolve a larger body size.
14cm, Paridae family
This is species is commonly seen on Honshu. It is widely distributed in the broadleaf forests of Japan, from South Chishima/Kuril Islands and Korea down to Okinawa.
The photo of a bird on a tree (above left) shows an Izu Tit , a bird I had long hoped to see, and one I was thrilled to finally encounter. For comparison, I’ve also included a photo of Varied Tit, found on the mainland, to the right. Izu Tit is slightly larger, with distinctive reddish-brown cheeks and thicker legs.
Before the volcanic eruption of Mount Oyamain 2000 (a subject I will return to later), the population of Izu Tit on Miyake-jima Island was estimated at around 5,000 individuals. Afterwards, that number reportedly dropped to about 2,000. Furthermore, in the past 20 years, poor nut production from the Castanopsis sieboldii (Sudajii) tree has led to further decline as this is their primary winter food source. There is now growing concern that the species may soon become extinct in the wild.
Designated as a Natural Monument by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
A sign near the tree reads: “Ancient people believed volcanic eruptions were the work of the gods and referred to them as ‘sacred fire.’ This giant Castanopsis tree is said to be the sacred tree that governs eruptions. It was named Yadori-gi (a tree to take refuge under) and has been cherished for hundreds of years. In the past, even approaching it without cause was forbidden.”
The photo above shows a giant Castanopsis sieboldii tree. In Japanese, this species is known as “Maigo shii”, which can be translated literally as “lost child Castanopsis”. This name comes from the belief that even deep within the evergreen forest, one can find the way out by heading toward this remarkably large tree.
Head-body length: Males 27–40cm; Females 16–25 cm, Mustelidae family
An endemic mammal species found on Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. It was introduced accidentally to Hokkaido and intentionally to islands such as the Izu Islands and Okinawa for rodent control. As a carnivorous species that is active both day and night and an adept swimmer, it has significantly impacted native wildlife and become a major conservation concern.
The final photograph depicts the Japanese Weasel. This mammal was officially released on the island in 1970 to control the rat population. Unfortunately, females were introduced in the 1980s, which led to a population boom. As a result, many Izu Thrushes fell prey to them, and bird numbers declined significantly.
Now I would like to share my thoughts on Miyake-jima Island. It is the most volcanically active island among the Izu Islands, yet it remains lush with greenery, including at least 3,000 giant trees that are more than 500 years old. These ancient trees seem to possess a life force strong enough to survive repeated volcanic eruptions. For the islanders, they may well be seen as sacred beings that have silently watched over their lives for generations.
In 2000, Mount Oyama’s volcanic eruption forced the island’s entire population to evacuate for an extended period. It’s said that about 60% of Miyake-jima’s forests were either destroyed or heavily affected by volcanic gases and acid rain. The scars of the eruption remain evident to this day, particularly in places such as Shiitori Shrine, which was engulfed by a massive mudflow, and the Kogan area, where lava fields spread.
The Izu Islands are part of a volcanic archipelago, and as such, they are constantly shaped by eruptions. Each causes a setback in vegetation, along with habitat loss and local extinction for animals. But in the aftermath, nature gradually recovers through reforestation and the arrival of new species. This cycle of destruction and regeneration fosters unique adaptations and evolutionary paths for the islands’ flora and fauna.
Japan is a country made up of many islands, each with its own distinct evolutionary history and natural beauty. I hope to return to Miyake-jima someday, and visit other islands to photograph their unique bird species. Just thinking about it fills me with excitement!
