Pink Pigeon

The Pink Pigeon is a Mauritian endemic once reduced to a handful of individuals in the wild, now recovering thanks to sustained conservation efforts. It is a heavy-bodied pigeon with a soft pale pink wash across its head and underparts, set off against darker rufous-brown wings and a notably long tail for a pigeon of its size.

The head, neck, and underparts show a pale, dusty pink tone unusual among pigeons, contrasting with darker reddish-brown wings and back. The tail is unusually long and graduated for a pigeon, tipped with subtly paler edges. Wing feathers lack strong iridescence or bold patterning, appearing as a fairly uniform warm brown. Compare with the Madagascar Turtle Dove found in the same region, which is smaller, grey-brown, and shows a barred neck patch rather than an overall pink wash.

Sexes are similar in plumage, with both showing the pink head and rufous-brown wings, though males can appear marginally brighter. Juveniles are duller and browner, lacking the distinct pink tone until after their first molt. No pronounced seasonal plumage change occurs in this tropical island resident.

Endemic to Mauritius, where it now persists mainly in and around remnant native forest managed for conservation, having been reintroduced to several protected sites after near-extinction in the wild. It is non-migratory and sedentary within its limited island range.

Feeds on seeds, leaves, and small fruit, foraging both on the ground and in trees. Its call is a deep, resonant cooing. Nests are stick platforms built in trees or dense shrubs. The species has been the focus of long-term captive breeding and reintroduction work, and its recovery from critically low numbers is considered a notable conservation success.