Long-tailed olive pigeon

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Long-tailed olive pigeon
Columba thomensis.jpg

Long-tailed olive pigeon ( Columba thomensis )

Systematics
Class : Birds (aves)
Order : Pigeon birds (Columbiformes)
Family : Pigeons (Columbidae)
Genre : Field pigeons ( Columba )
Type : Long-tailed olive pigeon
Scientific name
Columba thomensis
Barbosa du Bocage , 1888

The long-tailed olive pigeon ( Columba thomensis ) is a species of bird belonging to the field pigeon . The pigeon species is endemic to the island of São Tomé in the Gulf of Guinea .

features

The long-tailed olive pigeon was originally described as a subspecies of the African olive pigeon ( Columba arquatrix ), but is now considered a separate species. It is a large, very dark pigeon that reaches a size of 37 to 40 centimeters. The head is dark slate gray. The lanceolate neck feathers are black in the middle and have blue-gray tips. The nape of the neck is tinted deep purple. The coat is reddish brown. The back and rump are slate black. The under tail-coverts are dark brown. The underside is deep reddish brown with faint white spots. The females are more dull in color.

distribution

The distribution area on the island of São Tomé includes the regions Chamico in the northwest, Lagoa Amelia, Zampalma, Nova Ceilão and Bombaím in the Massif Central and Formoso Pequeno south along the valley of the Rio Lo Grande. In the southwest it extends into the lowlands along the river valleys of the Xufexufe and Ana Chaves. In the southeast of the island, the species occurs west of Agua Izé and on the isolated peak of Maria Fernandes north of São João dos Angolares.

Habitat and way of life

The long-tailed olive pigeon is most common in primary forests above 1000 meters. But it also occurs in mature secondary forests and especially on coffee plantations that were abandoned more than 20 years ago. In addition, it inhabits lowland primary forests in the southwest of the island and occasionally cultivated areas at the edge of the forest. The diet consists mainly of fruits. Depending on the availability of the fruit, the species undertakes seasonal migrations.

status

BirdLife International classifies the long-tailed olive pigeon in the “endangered” category and estimates the population at around 250 to 1000 adult birds. In the past, large areas of forest on São Tomé were cleared for coffee and cocoa plantations. The privatization of the land has led to an increase in small farms and an increase in logging. The primary forest is not currently affected, but could be threatened in the future. Limited areas of secondary and primary forests, especially in the north of the distribution area, are endangered by deforestation for agriculture and the use of timber and firewood. Road construction along the east and west coast opened up access to previously remote regions. The ever-evolving oil industry, including the establishment of "free ports" (free trade zones), was seen as a threat to the habitat of the long-tailed olive pigeon. However, due to the unsuccessful search for oil on land, oil production is likely to be relocated to the coast. Overhunting is currently the main threat, particularly in most accessible primary forests. The long-tailed olive pigeon is the largest pigeon in São Tomé and is very trusting. A considerable number of birds can be hunted at the same time, so individual hunters have been observed who killed up to nine birds in one hunting session. The current distribution of the species is determined by hunting pressure.

literature

  • Del Hoyo, J., Elliot, A. & Sargatal, J. (Editors) (1997): Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 4: Sandgrouse to Cuckoos. Lynx Edicions. ISBN 84-87334-22-9

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