#872: Zebra Dove

The Zebra Dove is a ground dwelling pigeon, found in Southeast Asia.  She forages in short or barren ground, in pairs or alone, feeding on grass seeds, insects and other small invertebrates. Her plumage offers her some camouflage against the barren ground. Whilst widespread and common, in some areas she has become scarce, as specimens are captured for the pet trade.

Creature Feature #504: Nicobar Pigeon

The beautiful Nicobar Pigeon resides in the small islands and coastal regions of the Nicobar Islands. Flocks of these large pigeons travel between islands, sleeping on offshore, predator-free islets and heading to the main lands to feed. His diet consists of fruit, seeds and buds, with grain taken when he can find it. He swallows stones to help grind up food in his crop. These gizzard stones are used in jewellery, with birds being poached for them and also for meat and the pet trade. It is closely related to the Dodo.

Nicobar Pigeons are considered Near Threatened, with populations being easily disrupted due to hunting by both humans and introduced predators. I may have to draw him again too, as this picture hardly does this magnificant bird justice.

Creature Feature #452: Manumea

The Manumea, or Tooth-billed Pigeon, is the National Bird of Samoa. Little is known about the species, found only in undisturbed forests and rarely seen. He leads a largely terrestrial existence, probably feeding on fallen fruits, which are crushed in his powerful bill. The wild population is thought to number between 70-380 individuals, with no captive population and no chicks have been observed in recent surveys. It appears that, unless drastic measures are taken, this heavy-set pigeon is likely to follow in the claw tracks of his cousin, the dodo.