Comoro Pigeon
Columba pollenii
Big, dark pigeon with black-and-white slashes on the back of the head. The feet, bill, and eye-ring are bright yellow, but the bird looks plain in flight. Found on the Comoro Islands in the canopy of moist forest, secondary habitat, and plantations. Most common at higher elevations. Common vocalization is a growling call, followed by several low hoots. Could be mistaken for Madagascar Turtle-Dove, but dwells in the canopy, is larger, has yellow bare parts, and doesn’t show pale corners to the tail in flight.
Identification
Easily distinguishable from other pigeon species, the Comoros olive pigeon is the largest bird in the Comoro Islands. It has a dark plumage. Adolescent pigeons have a bright yellow bill, whereas older ones have a dull green or brown bill. The Comoros olive pigeon makes a very deep coo of "guk-ohoooo hoo hooo".
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Columba pollenii
- Authority
- Schlegel, 1865
- Order
- Columbiformes
- Family
- Columbidae
- Genus
- Columba
Range and habitat
Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests and it can be found in Comoros (especially Mount Karthala) and Mayotte, with a higher-density population being observed in the latter.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Gray-hooded Warbler
Phylloscopus xanthoschistos
Delicately beautiful small warbler with a greenish back, lemon-yellow underparts, a cinder-gray head, and bright white eyebrow stripes. Somewhat similar to Yellow-bellied Warbler, but note yellow instead of white throat. Forages actively in the upper levels of broadleaf and mixed montane forest, often in open patches. Sometimes descends to lower elevations in the non-breeding season, often turning up in foothill forest edges and gardens. Song is a high-pitched “tchi-tchi-cheeseewee-cheeseewee.” Calls are high, thin double notes.
Gray-sided Flowerpecker
Dicaeum celebicum
A tiny, stubby, plump dark songbird with a bold red throat in males. Female is nondescript, all gray with a clean white throat. Juveniles resemble female but have a pale-based bill and a green-washed breast. Singles and pairs can be found in lowlands and foothills in a variety of habitats, including forest, forest edge, scrub, and gardens. Male can be separated from male Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker by red throat and lack of red crown. Female Gray-sided differs from female Crimson-crowned in absence of red rump. Song is a thin, high-pitched “see-se-sooo.” Also gives a buzzy “tzjit” note.
Tricolored Parrotfinch
Erythrura tricolor
A small blue finch with conspicuous red tail and an emerald-green back. Females duller, with green extending to nape. Juveniles dull green, with gray head and pale bill, but still show red tail. Singles, pairs, or flocks feed on or near the ground in forests, open woodlands, and thickets within the lowlands and mountains. An undescribed parrotfinch has been documented on Mount Mutis in Timor; Tricolored differs from it in lacking red on the face. Calls include soft, high-pitched “seet” and “sit” notes.
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