Other Scientific Names
Columba mayeri [Sibley and Monroe (1990, 1993)], Columba mayeri [Collar et al. (1994)], Columba mayeri [BirdLife International (2000)], Streptopelia mayeri [BirdLife International (2004)]
Other Names (World)
Pink Pigeon, Chestnut-tailed Pigeon, Mauritius Pigeon
Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.
Population
Estimated population is 360 - 395 (2010) and fluctuating.
Status VU
Habitat loss, predation of nests and adults by introduced crab-eating macaque Macaca fascicularis, mongoose Herpestes auropunctatus, rats and feral cats, is the main threat.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Voice
Flight call is a short, hard, nasal 'hoo hoo'. Male territorial call is a series of 'coo-cooo' notes.
Pink Pigeon (Nesoenas mayeri) [XC463455]
by Cedric Mroczko from Alexandra Falls, Black River Gorges National Park, Savanne District, Mauritius (song)
Pink Pigeon (Nesoenas mayeri) [XC155388]
by Phil Gregory from Black River Gorges National Park, Savanne Trail, Mauritius (song)
Subspecies
Madagascar Turtle-Dove (Nesoenas picturatus) and Pink Pigeon (Nesoenas mayeri) (Sibley and Monroe 1990, 1993) were previously transferred to the genus Streptopelia following Johnson et al. (2001), but are now placed in Nesoenas following Cheke (2005).
Sometimes placed in the genus Columba. However, behavioural studies suggest affinities with Streptopelia, and true taxonomic relationships uncertain.
The following 2 subspecies are recognised:
mayeri (Prévost, 1843) - Forests of south-western Mauritius (on verge of extinction).
duboisi Rothschild, 1907 - La Réunion. Considered by some authors to be a distinct species, Reunion Pigeon (Nesoenas duboisi).
BirdLife International Species Factsheet