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
Genus: Columba; Family: Columbidae; Order: Columbiformes.
- 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
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: declining.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
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Limpkin
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Large heronlike bird, reminiscent of a gangly ibis but more closely related to rails. Brown with white spots and streaks, densest on the head and neck. Long yellowish bill is slightly decurved. Found in marshes or swamps, often with trees and shrubs, but also regularly seen at the edges of ponds in otherwise highly managed city parks. Feeds almost exclusively on apple snails. Usually single or in pairs. Distinctive voice is a loud, creaky wail, often heard as an eerie jungle sound effect in films.
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