Behavioural and morphological sexual differences in the Amami Woodcock Scolopax mira, using molecular sexing of banded birds

A study on the Amami Woodcock (Scolopax mira), an endangered species endemic to Japan’s Nansei Shoto archipelago, reveals significant sexual dimorphism and behavioural differences critical for conservation. Adult females were found to be larger than males in six out of nine measured morphological traits, while males had longer tails. A linear discriminant formula derived from these data accurately determined sex in approximately 86% of banded birds on Amami-oshima, though it was less reliable for juveniles. Behavioural differences were inferred from capture rates: adult males were more frequently caught during the mating and early breeding season (March/April), likely due to male display behaviour, while females dominated captures in late breeding (May/June) and juvenile dispersal periods (November/December). This suggests a male-biased risk of road mortality during peak breeding months and potential female-biased long-range dispersion. The findings provide essential insights for targeted conservation strategies.

EDA, M., TORIKAI, H., KIMURA, K.-i., ABE, S., & KOIKE, H. (2014). Behavioural and morphological sexual differences in the Amami Woodcock Scolopax mira, using molecular sexing of banded birds. Japanese Journal of Ornithology, 63(1), 15–21. https://doi.org/10.3838/jjo.63.15