Alternative names: Mauritius Pigeon; Mauritius Pink Pigeon
- Nesoenas mayeri
Streptopelia mayeri, Columba mayeri
Identification
32cm, 350g. Light pink feathers, brown wings, dark pink bill, legs and feet with a dark brown tail and dark brown wings. Eyes dark brown, red eye ring.
It is one of the rarest birds in the world with a population that was of only 15 in the wild.
Distribution
Mauritius. (endemic) Now only found on Ile aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve.
Taxonomy
Initially classified as a true pigeon, it was re-classified in a monotypic genus by Tommaso Salvadori.
Habitat
Upland evergreen forests.
Behaviour
Diet includes buds, flowers, leaves, shoots, fruits and seeds.
Nest is made in a platform. 2 white eggs are laid. Incubation is done by the male during the day and female during the night and lasts 2 weeks.
