Horned pigeon (SciiFii)

The horned pigeon (Ceratoenas heracles) is a species of pigeon that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the rainforests of Africa to help boost biodiversity. The horned pigeon is named for its large horn-like keratin in front of its face above the beak, which only males possess, and is used as a display structure to attract mates. The horned pigeon is a very large forest-dwelling pigeon, growing on average of about 70 centimeters (28 inches) in body length and weighing 2.1 kilograms (4.6 lbs). The horned pigeon is almost entirely herbivorous and, in the wild, mainly feeds on fallen fruit, seeds, and invertebrates, although in captivity, it is particularly fond of eating figs. Breeding peaks late in wet season and in the dry season. When the male displays for the female, he lowers his head down, stretches forward, and then rhythmically swings his head up and down while simultaneously wagging his fanned tail. Although the female does most direct brooding, both parents help raise the young. The female usually lays between 1 and 5 white eggs in a well-built tree nest of stems, sticks, and palm leaves. In the weeks before she lays the eggs, the male brings nesting material to the female. The eggs are incubated around 30 days. The young leave the nest when they are still much smaller than their parents, but are actively tended to for a total of 13 weeks. The conservation status of the horned pigeon is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts and the horned pigeon's wide range.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii