The Ryukyu wood pigeon, otherwise known as the silver-banded or silver-crescented pigeon is an extinct species of dove of the genus Columba. This wood pigeon was endemic to the Laurel forest habitat.
Region
Ryukyu Islands
Typical Environment
Historically restricted to subtropical evergreen broadleaf (laurel) forests on a few islands of the Ryukyu chain. It favored mature primary forest with dense canopy and an abundance of fruiting trees. Birds kept to quiet interior forest and riparian groves, rarely venturing into open habitats. Its small island range and specialization on intact forest made it highly vulnerable to logging and human disturbance.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the silver-banded or silver-crescented pigeon, it was distinguished by a pale, silvery crescent on the nape. It inhabited subtropical evergreen laurel forests of the Ryukyu Islands and vanished in the late 19th to early 20th century. Habitat loss from forest clearing and hunting are believed to have driven its extinction.
Temperament
shy and wary
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically encountered singly or in pairs, sometimes in small family groups when food was abundant. It nested in trees within dense forest, likely building a simple platform of twigs. As with other pigeons, the clutch was probably two eggs, with both parents sharing incubation and chick-feeding duties. It remained secretive, keeping to shaded midstory and canopy.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A low, mournful series of cooing notes delivered from a concealed perch. Phrases were soft but resonant, carrying through still forest interiors. Calls increased around dawn and dusk when the bird was most active.
