Sequoia pigeon (SciiFii)

The sequoia pigeon (Neocaloenas sequoia), also known as the sequoia dove, is a species of pigeon, most closely related to the band-tailed pigeon (Patagioenas fasciata), that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the rainforests, wetlands, forests, and open woodlands across North America to help boost biodiversity. The sequoia pigeon is a large pigeon, measuring 40 centimeters (16 inches) in length. The head is grey, like the upper neck plumage, which turns into grayish and copper hackles. The tail is very short and pure white. The rest of its plumage is metallic greyish blue. The cere of the dark bill forms a small blackish knob; the strong legs and feet are dull red. The irises are dark. It is a very vocal species, giving a low-pitched repetitive call. The sequoia pigeon roams in flocks, usually sleeping in tall trees and buildings where little to no bird-eating predators are present, and spends the day in areas with better food availability, not shying away from areas inhabited by humans. Its food consists of seeds, fruit and buds, and it is attracted to areas where grain is available. A gizzard stone helps to grind up hard food items. Its flight is quick, with regular beats and an occasional sharp flick of the wings, as is characteristic of pigeons in general. Unlike other pigeons, groups tend to fly in columns or single file, not in a loose flock. The white tail is prominent in flight when seen from behind and may serve as a sort of "taillight", keeping flocks together when crossing the sea at dawn or dusk. The young birds' lack of a white tail is a signal of their immaturity clearly visible to conspecifics – to an adult sequoia pigeon, it is obvious at a glance which flockmembers are neither potential mates, nor potential competitors for mates, nor old enough to safely guide a flock from one island to another. The sequoia pigeon builds a loose stick nest in a tree. It lays three to five elliptical faintly blue-tinged white egg. The conservation status of the sequoia pigeon is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the sequoia pigeon's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii