Rodrigues pigeon (SciiFii)

The Rodrigues pigeon, also known as Rodrigues dove (Nesoenas rodericanus) is a species of pigeon endemic to the Mascarene island of Rodrigues. The Rodrigues pigeon was once extinct since the mid-18th century, but has since been brought back extinction by SciiFii and reintroduced to Rodrigues to help boost biodiversity. The closest relative of the Rodrigues pigeon is the Malagasy turtle dove (Nesoenas picturata). The Rodrigues pigeon is about the size of a tambourine dove and is naturally colored slate grey. The Rodrigues pigeon usually perches on tree branches and is extremely tame towards people. The Rodrigues pigeon is herbivorous, feeding on both exotic and native plants - consuming buds, flowers, leaves, shoots, fruits and seeds. These birds exhibit ground-feeding behaviors, moving and turning over leaf litter in order to find food and grit (for use as gizzard stones). The breeding season of the Rodrigues pigeon begins in August–September, although birds may breed all year round. The male courts the female with a "step and bow" display. Mating is generally monogamous, with the pair making a flimsy platform nest and defending a small area around it (even though the pigeons initially had no natural predators, one mating pair must defend their territory from other mating pairs). Rodrigues pigeons generally mate for life. The female usually lays two white eggs, and incubation duration is two weeks. The male incubates during the day, and the female during night and early day. They may breed often, laying five to 10 eggs in a season; breeding only pauses in the wild whilst in molt, which may be full or a partial-body/head molt. The conservation status of the Rodrigues pigeon is Near Threatened due to some habitat loss and historic invasive predators, however, thanks to the conservationists, the invasive predators like rats were eradicated from Rodrigues and the Rodrigues pigeon is a protected species.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii