Comoro Green-Pigeon
Treron griveaudi
Chunky, medium-sized pigeon that is mostly pale green with black wings and a pale wing stripe. Flight is very fast and direct. Sometimes found alone, though more often in small groups. Widespread but erratic; local abundance linked to the availability of fruit, its main food. Found in humid forest, secondary forest, and plantations. Endemic to the island of Mohéli in the Comoros. Voice is a quiet but maniacal combination of sputters, whistles, and cackles. Easily identified, as it is the only green pigeon within its tiny range.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Treron griveaudi
- Authority
- Benson, 1960
- Order
- Columbiformes
- Family
- Columbidae
- Genus
- Treron
Range and habitat
The Comoros green pigeon is found in evergreen forest, secondary forest and coconut plantations at higher elevations.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
Despite being legally protected, poaching is still suspected. Suitable forest only remains on 5% of the island and introduced species such as rats may predate nests. The population is thought to number fewer than 2,500 individuals.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
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