Dodo (Raphus cucullatus)

Mousy to dark grey body, neck darker. Bill light with a darker colored tip. Face devoid of feathers, light gey skin, feathered hood. Legs and feet yellow, talons black.

Family
Columbidae (Pigeons, Doves)

Size
90 - 125 cm

First Described (Guide)
(Linnaeus, 1758)

Habitat
Subtropical and tropical lowland dry forest and montane moist forest.

Range (Guide)

Mauritius (E) (B).

Mauritius and surrounding islets.

Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.

Status EX
Extinct, surviving only until the late 17th, perhaps early 18th century (1688 - 1715), probably caused by hunting and the effect of introduced animals, mainly pigs and macaques.

For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.

Habits
A ground dwelling, flightless bird. Unafraid, but aquired aggression (also fleeing) when confronted by humans.

Food
Fruits, leaves, invertebrates and coral.

Voice
Reported to be gosling-like and perhaps pigeon-like. A loud squawk was uttered in alarm.

Nest
On the ground, composed of leaves and grasses in wooded areas.

Eggs (Guide)
1; white; about 90 x 50 mm. Incubation: not known. One egg was laid every two years.

Subspecies
No subspecies.

References
See References.

Files:

JPG files for Dodo (Raphus cucullatus) - 10 files

More Information

BirdLife International

For more information about the Dodo see... Show Articles

BirdLife International Species Factsheet.

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