English Common Name

Okinawa Rail

Scientific name

Gallirallus okinawae

Taxonomy

Order: Gruiformes, Family:Rallidae

Size

30 cm -35 cm

Species Distribution

Southern part of Okinawa Island

Okinawan Common Name

Agachi Shijah Doui, Yama Doui

National Special Natural Monument

National Endangered Species

Okinawa Red List of Threatened Species: Critically Endangered

Japan Red List of Threatened Species: Critically Endangered

This species was found in 1981. It is the only bird in Japan that cannot fly. Okinawa Rail is found in forests in the northern part of Okinawa Island. It feeds on insects, earth worms, fruits and nuts from trees. Instead of flying, this species can run around using its strong legs and developed muscles.

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※Please Note!
Gallirallus okinawae is an endangered species and a National Natural Monument. Please refer to the Act on Conservation of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and Japan’s law for the Protection of Cultural Properties.

Updated June 2017

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