Archipelagic Habitat Use by the Black Wood Pigeon

ABSTRACT Island Columbiformes exhibit diverse evolutionary trajectories related to flight ability. Although a reduction in flight ability is a common feature of island avifauna, some species retain or even increase flight ability after colonizing islands, thereby enabling movement between islands within archipelagos. Understanding the movement ecology of mobile island pigeons is essential for evaluating avian adaptations and ecological functions in island ecosystems. In this study, we conducted satellite tracking of the Black Wood Pigeon ( Columba janthina ) in the Izu Islands, Japan, to clarify its interisland movement patterns and habitat use, which may influence the movement decisions related to breeding. Among the 18 pigeons tracked from 2022 to 2025, 12 individuals moved to different islands. Single interisland flights ranged from approximately 4 km (Hachijo to Hachijokojima) to 170 km (Hachijo to Ohshima). Individuals on Aogashima island tended to disperse to various islands after the breeding season and return the following spring. Analysis of habitat selection across land‐use categories revealed a preference for afforestation areas and Sasa shrubs during the breeding period. Habitat shifts were also observed in association with interisland movements. These findings suggest that Black Wood Pigeons may be partially migratory or nomadic, with flexible use of the entire archipelago, depending on individual decisions regarding migration. This study will facilitate further research to better understand the patterns and functions of bird movements at the archipelagic scale.