- Gallirallus okinawae
Identification
30cm.
Dark olive-brown upperparts including nape and crown, black head with a white stripe back from the eye, black underparts narrowly barred white. Bill and legs are red. Wings and tail are short.
Juvenile has paler upperparts with mottled white underparts.
Distribution
Only found on the far northern portion of Okinawa Island, Japan, where it is endangered.
Taxonomy
A monotypic species.
Habitat
Forest, often with a dense undergrowth of ferns, near to standing or running fresh water; sometimes seen in more open areas adjacent to forest.
Behaviour
It is almost flightless and feeds on the forest floor, and occasionally in shallow water; the diet includes invertebrates and lizards.
Nests are made on the ground during the breeding season, from May-July, and 2-3 eggs are laid.
