Species information
Scientific name: Treron permagnus
Japanese name: リュウキュウアオバト
Chinese name: 琉球綠鳩
English name: Ryukyu green pigeon
Origin: Yakushima, Tanegashima, Tokara Islands, Amami Islands, Okinawa Islands, Miyako Islands, Yaeyama Islands
Ecology and description
The Ryukyu green pigeon was formerly considered one of the subspecies of the Taiwan green pigeon (Treron formosae), but recent molecular studies support its status as a separate species. Unlike the Taiwan green pigeon, this species has no red on its head.
The Ryukyu green pigeon has two subspecies:
- Nominate subspecies Treron permagnus permagnus: distributed from Yakushima to Okinawajima.
- Yaeyama subspecies Treron permagnus medioximus: found on Miyakojima, Ishigaki, Iriomote and Yonaguni.
The two subspecies look almost identical. The Yaeyama subspecies is slightly smaller, and in the field they are mainly distinguished by where they are found.
Reference: Wikipedia, Wikipedia (Japanese), Japanese Wild Bird Identification Guide, Kohama Island Bird Guide
Field photographs taken during our tours, with observation dates
The chance of seeing the Ryukyu green pigeon (nominate subspecies) on Okinawajima is not high, though its calls are occasionally heard. The chances of seeing it on Amami Oshima are higher.
