Lidth’s jay

　The Lidth’s jay, once hunted for its feathers used in women’s hats, has seen its numbers decline in recent years due to habitat destruction and predation by feral cats and mongooses. It is an endemic species to Japan, found only on Amami Ōshima and the neighbouring islands of Kakeroma and Uke. However, its population now appears to be recovering, and it can be spotted along roadsides and in residential gardens.
　Their distinctive, guttural “ja-ja” call often alerts one to their presence. At night, they are frequently seen roosting on power lines along forest roads.
　As a bird emblematic of Amami, products bearing its name—such as black sugar shochu and rum—are popular souvenirs.