Erithacus
Erithacus is a genus of small passerine birds in the Old World flycatcher family (Muscicapidae). The genus formerly contained only one species, the European robin ( Erithacus rubecula), which is also known as the robin redbreast.
Taxonomy
Historically, the European robin was classified within the thrush family (Turdidae). Molecular phylogenetic studies in the early 21st century revealed that robins are more closely related to Old World flycatchers. Consequently, Erithacus was reclassified into the Muscicapidae family.
Further research using molecular data demonstrated that the Ryukyu robin (Larvivora komadori) and the Japanese robin (Larvivora akahige) were more closely related to the European robin than to other species within the Larvivora genus. As a result, these two species were moved to the genus Erithacus in 2006.
Species
The Erithacus genus currently comprises the following three species:
- Erithacus rubecula - European robin
- Erithacus akahige - Japanese robin
- Erithacus komadori - Ryukyu robin
Description
Birds in the Erithacus genus are generally small, with distinctive plumage patterns. The European robin is well-known for its red breast and face, while the Japanese and Ryukyu robins also display reddish-orange or rufous coloration on their underparts.
Habitat and Distribution
- Erithacus rubecula is found throughout Europe, east to Western Siberia and south to North Africa.
- Erithacus akahige is endemic to Japan.
- Erithacus komadori is endemic to the Ryukyu Islands of Japan.
Conservation Status
The conservation status of each species within the Erithacus genus varies. The European robin is classified as Least Concern. The Japanese and Ryukyu robins are also currently classified as Least Concern, although their restricted island habitats make them potentially vulnerable to habitat loss and other threats.