VOL.210 DECEMBER 2025
SCHOOLS IN JAPAN [Native Creatures of Japan] Okinawa Rail

The Okinawa Rail, called Yanbaru Kuina in Japan, is a native bird of Japan that rarely flies and is found only in the mountainous region known as Yanbaru, which is in the north end of the main island of Okinawa. Measuring about 30 cm in body length, its identifying traits are its vivid red legs and the black-and-white horizontal stripes on its chest and belly. Its beak is overall red, with a slightly whitish tip. It digs into fallen leaves and humus soil to eat the earthworms and insects hidden there. It is thought that the bird lost the need to fly because its evolution in an environment with few predators led to the shrinking and degeneration of its wings. Instead of flight, it uses its sturdy, powerful legs to run swiftly through thickets. Although its existence had already been known locally, in 1981 it was announced officially as a new species and designated a Natural Monument of Japan the following year. As it was the first new discovery of a bird species in Japan in the 20th century, this became a major topic of interest. Due to the bird’s small population size, conservation efforts such as artificial breeding and reintroduction into the wild are being carried out at special breeding and propagation facilities for this bird.

Photo: PIXTA