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The species Rodrigues Solitaire is extinct. |
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- Pezophaps solitaria
Identification
70 (females) to 90 cm (males). A large, flightless, dodo-like bird.
- Grey and brown plumage
- Long neck
- Long legs
- Black band at base of slightly hooked beak
Distribution
Formerly endemic to Rodrigues Island, Mauritius Island.
Hunted to extinction in the 18th century. Was still seen in 1761 but had become extinct by 1778. The last confirmed record was in 1770.
Taxonomy
This was a monotypic species.
Habitat
Probably dry forest and scrubland.
Behaviour
Diet
Used to feed on fruit and seeds. Recorded to swallow stones, probably to help digest its food.
Breeding
A highly territorial species. The nest was placed on the ground and made with palm leaves. Layed 1 egg.
Movements
This was a resident species.
References
- Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, B.L. Sullivan, C. L. Wood, and D. Roberson. 2013. The eBird/Clements checklist of birds of the world: Version 6.8., with updates to August 2013. Downloaded from http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/
- Wikipedia (retrieved July 2014)
- Birdlife factsheet ((retrieved July 2014)
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2024) Rodrigues Solitaire. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 2 May 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Rodrigues_Solitaire
