This 40 cm-long dove is the largest dove to inhabit Japan. It usually lives alone in woods in various places in Okinawa. It has red legs and dark colored feathers, which display a metallic purple or green sheen in the light. The particular type living in the Miyako and Yaeyama regions is called Yonakunikarasubato and is designated as a special species of bird. Japanese wood pigeons make sounds similar to the calls of cows. It is reported that it drinks seawater, just like the Japanese green pigeon.
If you know of any other endangered or rare plants or animals on Okinawa or the surrounding islands please send us what you know and pictures if possible. Thanks.
