Tepui dodo (SciiFii)

The Tepui dodo (Pseudoraphus tepuiensis), also known as the American dodo, is a species of large ground-dwelling pigeon, most closely related to the band-tailed pigeon (Patagioenas fasciata), despite its name, size, and appearance, that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the forests, wetlands, open woodlands, grasslands, and open bushlands across Tepui to help boost biodiversity. However, there are also feral populations of Tepui dodos living throughout California, Oregon, and Nevada, most likely either zoo/safari park escapees or due to pet trade, which are, by all accounts, thriving and breeding without the help of people. The Tepui dodos are social birds, living in small flocks, typically led by a dominant male, and are one of the few pigeons to display sexual dimorphism, with the males being slightly larger and displaying a rusty orange neck and chest. They are primarily herbivores, foraging on seeds, ground vegetation and fallen fruit, but will supplement their diet with insects and especially snails, which they collect with their enlarged hooked beak, a mild example of neoteny compared to their relatives. Unlike their namesake, Tepui dodos have retained the ability to fly, as there are several large predators that would happily make a meal of them, but they are too heavy to fly more than short distances, and prefer to get around using their long legs. If a burst of flight fails to get them away from predators, the birds can still lash out with their hooked beak and sharp talons. The conservation status of the Tepui dodo is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts and the Tepui dodo's wide range (primarily in the species' nonnative range in the United States).
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii