Columba jouyi
The Ryukyu Wood Pigeon (Columba jouyi) was a striking, relatively large pigeon, measuring approximately 45 cm (18 inches) in length, known for its dark, slate-grey plumage that appeared nearly black in some lights. A distinguishing feature was the iridescent purplish-green sheen on its nape and hind-neck, contrasting subtly with its otherwise somber tones. Its head and underparts were a slightly paler slate, transitioning to a rich maroon on the undertail coverts, while the wing coverts and b...
This species historically inhabited dense subtropical evergreen broadleaf forests, ranging from lowland coastal areas to more montane regions on its native islands.
The Ryukyu Wood Pigeon primarily fed on fruits, berries, and seeds gathered from the canopy and occasionally the forest floor.
Little is definitively known about the Ryukyu Wood Pigeon's behavior due to its early extinction and secretive nature. Like other large wood pigeons, it was likely diurnal, spending its days foraging high in the forest canopy and roosting within dense foliage at night. Foraging probably involved ...
The Ryukyu Wood Pigeon was endemic to the Ryukyu Archipelago, a chain of islands extending southwest from Japan's main islands. Its historic range was remarkably restricted, confined primarily to the islands of Okinawa (specifically the northern parts), Iheya, Kumejima, and Iwo Jima. It was a res...
Extinct
- The Ryukyu Wood Pigeon is one of several species endemic to the Japanese Ryukyu Islands that went extinct due to human activity. - The last confirmed sighting of a live individual was in 1904 on Okinawa Island, though unconfirmed reports persisted until 1936. - Its extinction is primarily attri...