ハト
Ryukyu green pigeon / Treron formosae / Zuaka-aohato / ズアカアオバト ズアカアオバトは奄美大島に生息するハトの4種のうちの1つで、日本南部の島の固有種であり、日本で唯一の固有種のハトである。一時期はタイワンズアカアオバトの亜種と思われていたが、今では別種であることがわかった。体長は大きく、33～35cmで、全体的に深い緑で翼は濃い茶色。日本では哀愁を帯びた声が尺八と似ているため、シャクハチバトとも呼ばれる。また、クチブエズアカアオバトとも呼ばれる。
Japanese wood pigeon / Columba janthina / Karasubato / カラスバト 奄美大島に生息するハトの中でも最も大きく、黒い絶滅危惧種で、体長37~43cmで、全身と頭部は黒く、頭部や胸、翼にメタリックな紫や緑がある。主に広葉樹林に生息し、種子や木の実を食べる。奄美大島の他の鳥とは異なり、冬に繁殖する。低い鳴き声は、現地の言葉では「ウシバト」と呼ばれる事もある。
Pigeons
Ryukyu green pigeon / Treron formosae / Zuaka-aohato / ズアカアオバト
One of four members of the pigeon family found on Amami-Oshima, the Ryukyu green pigeon is endemic to Japan’s southern islands, and the only pigeon known to be endemic to Japan. At one time it was thought to be a subspecies of the Taiwan green pigeon, but is now known to be a distinct species. It is large (33 to 35 centimeters long), with a rich green body and dark brown wings. In Japan it is sometimes called a “shakuhachi hato (pigeon),” after the Japanese bamboo flute, because of the long, mournful tone of its call. It is also known as the whistling green pigeon.
Japanese wood pigeon / Columba janthina / Karasubato / カラスバト
This endangered species is the largest and darkest of the pigeons found on Amami-Oshima. It is 37 to 43 centimeters long, and has a blackish head and body with hints of metallic purple and green on its head, breast, and wings. Its habitat is mainly in the broadleaf forest, where it feeds on seeds and nuts. Unlike most of the other birds on Amami-Oshima, it has been known to breed in the winter season. It is sometimes called ushi-bato (“cow pigeon”) in the local dialect because of its low cooing call.
