Justification This woodcock has a small population that has declined moderately rapidly as a result of logging and predation. Although it has recently shown some signs of recovery, the combined effects of logging and introduced predators are predicted to lead to an increased, rapid rate of decline in the near future. These factors qualify it as Vulnerable.

Family/Sub-family Scolopacidae

Species name author Hartert, 1916

Taxonomic source(s) Sibley and Monroe (1990, 1993)

Identification 34-36 cm. Long-billed, forest-dwelling woodcock. Plumage variable. Olive-brown upperparts with soft rufescent-brown patterning. Underparts barred brown and buff. Broad brown bars on hind crown with the first slightly narrower than the second. Bare pink skin around eyes. Similar spp. Eurasian Woodcock S. rusticola has narrower wings, shorter tarsi, and more rounded head. Generally more rufous coloration with more grey and dark contrasting patterning on wings and mantle. Dark subterminal band on tail.

Population estimate

Population trend

Range estimate (breeding/resident)

Country endemic?

2,500-9,999

decreasing

2,300 km²

Yes

Range & population Scolopax mira is endemic to the Nansei Shoto Islands in southern Japan, where it is recorded from the islands of Amami-ooshima, Kakeroma-jima, Toku-no-shima, Okinawa and Tokashiki-jima. On Amami-ooshima, it was reported to be common in the mid-1980s and is mainly confined to the western half and the eastern tip of the island. Numbers around Nase City have declined markedly. On Tokunoshima, it was reportedly reasonably common in the mid-1980s, but it seems to be uncommon on Okinawa, where its population is believed to be small and confined to the northern part of the island. Its population is estimated to be <10,000 individuals. Declines are thought to have continued until 2002 but following conservation efforts since then it may have begun to increase.

Important Bird Areas Click here to view map showing IBAs where species is recorded and triggers any of the IBA criteria.

Ecology: It occurs in subtropical, evergreen, broadleaved hill forest, often with cycads, where it prefers damp and shady areas of the forest floor. It has been suggested that some birds migrate from Amami-ooshima to more southerly islands in winter, but this remains uncertain.

Threats On Amami-ooshima, large areas of mature forests have been clear-cut and replaced by young secondary forests. On Okinawa, the area of forest has declined and there is substantial and continuing deforestation in its range. There have been significant population declines in areas of good habitat where small Indian mongoose Herpestes javanicus was common, suggesting high levels of predation. Since 2002 there has been some control of mongooses and the predation risk may have decreased. Feral dogs and cats remain potential predators however. On Okinawa, there is a danger of accidental shooting as a result of confusion with S. rusticola, which is a game species.

Conservation measures underway It is legally protected in Japan. Yuwandake National Wildlife Protection Area, and Kinsaku-baru Prefecture Protection Area have been established on Amami-ooshima. Yonaha-dake has been designated as a prefecture protection area on Okinawa. On Amami-ooshima, S. rusticola has been given special protection in order to prevent accidental shooting of S. mira. A radio-telemetry study of its home range was completed in the early 1990s. Small Indian mongoose has been actively controlled by the Ministry of Environment since 2002 with benefits to the woodcock. Censuses along mountain roads in the breeding season (twice a year, mainly in March and June), observations with ringed and radio transmitter fitted birds, and automatic camera surveys are now performed.

Conservation measures proposed Restore the remaining areas of forest on the islands where it occurs. Increase control of introduced cats and dogs and continue efforts to control small Indian mongoose. Monitor the status of the population on Amami-ooshima, particularly to determine the impact of introduced predators. Conduct surveys and ecological research on the islands where it occurs.

References BirdLife International (2001). 1. Yukihiro Kominami in litt. (2007).

Further web sources of information

Fully detailed species accounts from the Threatened birds of Asia: the BirdLife International Red Data Book (BirdLife International 2001), together with new information collated since the publication of the Red Data Book

Text account compilers Phil Benstead (BirdLife International), Jeremy Bird (BirdLife International), Leonardo Cabrera, Simba Chan (Wild Bird Society of Japan), Mike Crosby (BirdLife International), Nic Peet (BirdLife International), Andy Symes (BirdLife International)

Contributors Simba Chan (Wild Bird Society of Japan), Yukihiro Kominami (Wild Bird Society of Japan)

IUCN Red List evaluators Jeremy Bird (BirdLife International), Stuart Butchart (BirdLife International), Andy Symes (BirdLife International)

Recommended citation BirdLife International (2009) Species factsheet: Scolopax mira. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 9/2/2010

This information is based upon, and updates, the information published in BirdLife International (2000) Threatened birds of the world. Barcelona and Cambridge, UK: Lynx Edicions and BirdLife International, BirdLife International (2004) Threatened birds of the world 2004 CD-ROM and BirdLife International (2008) Threatened birds of the world 2008 CD-ROM. These sources provide the information for species accounts for the birds on the IUCN Red List.

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