Pink Pigeon 
Pink Pigeon
Pink Pigeon
© Phillip Coffey,
JWPT
Scientific Name:
Columba mayeri
Other Names and/or Listed subspecies:
Nesoenas mayeri, Streptopelia mayeri
Group:
Birds
Status/Date Listed as Endangered:
EN-US FWS: January 12, 1995
EN-IUCN: 2008
Area(s) Where Listed As Endangered:
Indian Ocean (Mauritius)
 
Advertisement
 

The pink pigeon is a very rare bird found on the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean, and it is said to be the largest of all pigeon and dove species. Adults can reach up to 12.6 inches in length from beak to tail and weigh about 12 ounces. As its name suggests, the pink pigeon has light pink feathers, with brown wings, and a dark pink bill, legs and feet. The tail is brown and the eyes are also brown and surrounded by a ring of red skin.

These birds prefer upland evergreen forests for their habitat. They are often seen feeding and roosting in small flocks. Diet consists of flowers, fruits, buds, leaves, and seeds of native and exotic vegetation in the area. During breeding season (August to September), males and females form as pairs, build nests, and defend their territory. Females give birth to one to two eggs, and they are incubated for 14 days. The male incubates the eggs during the day, and the female incubates them during the night and early day.

There are an estimated 20 of these birds left in the wild, and 200 in captivity. This species is threatened by predation by introduced species (such as wild cats), and also disease and poaching. The Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust was established in 1963 and is devoted to the captive breeding of the species to aid its survival.




Wikipedia Article

This article is only an excerpt. If it appears incomplete or if you wish to see article references, visit the rest of its contents here.
Wikipedia Article
Copyright Notice: This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Pink pigeon".

Featured Article

Photos that will make you think twice before littering
Not too many people think of or even understand how much littering can actually impact our planet. Something as simple as holding onto your trash until you can throw it away properly can have a huge impact on conservation, preservation, and our planet.

Here are some photos that we thought you should take a look at that we hope will make you think twice before littering.

Read More...


Advertisement


Endangered Species of Our Planet

Donate, Adopt, Get Involved

EEC Conservation Directory
Donate

Mailing List

Would you like to receive a notice and link when the new Creature Feature is posted?

Enter your e-mail address below:

 

Fun & Games

Are you inspired by endangered animals? Check out our games and coloring pages! More to come soon.
color endangered creatures
play hangman