Plateau

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Plateau
Systematics
Sub-stem : Vertebrates (vertebrata)
Class : Birds (aves)
Order : Pigeon birds (Columbiformes)
Family : Pigeons (Columbidae)
Genre : Staggered Doves ( Gallicolumba )
Type : Plateau
Scientific name
Gallicolumba platenae
( Salvadori , 1891)

The plateau dove ( Gallicolumba platenae ), also called Mindoro dagger- stinging dove , is a rare species of dove from the genus of the dagger-sting dove ( Gallicolumba ). It is endemic to the Philippine island of Mindoro . The specific epithet honors the German researcher Carl Constantin Platen .

features

The plateau reaches a size of 30 centimeters. The chin, throat and underside are white. There is a bright orange spot in the center of the chest. The top of the head, neck, sides of the chest, coat and sides of the chest are dark gray with an iridescent green sheen. The rest of the top is dark chestnut with a reddish purple sheen. The small and medium elytra show large gray-white tips. The short tail is gray. The gray upper tail ceilings have a light subterminal band and light tips. The legs are red.

Way of life

Little is known about the platoon's way of life. It is a shy, mostly ground dwelling bird. The pigeon can walk well and when startled, it only flies short distances. Their diet includes the fruits of the Balete trees Ficus stipulosa . Clutches consisting of two eggs were discovered in March and April; Fledglings in May. The nests were built in the tendrils of lianas and on the branch of a tree at a height of 1.5 and 2 meters respectively . Residents surveyed in 1995 reported a breeding season between February and May. Information about their migrations is not available.

Existence and endangerment

BirdLife International uses a rough estimate of between 50 and 250 specimens and classifies the species as “ critically endangered ” . By clearing the lowland rainforests, almost the entire habitat of this species was destroyed. In 1988 only an area of ​​120 km² was forested and only 25 percent of it were rainforests with a closed canopy. At the current rate of forest loss on Mindoro, the entire primary forest below 900 m should have disappeared within a few years. The forests on Siburan and in Mount Iglit Baco National Park are threatened by progressive slash and burn agriculture and occasional selective logging. The gathering of rattan is a nuisance to the underbrush vegetation. Dynamite blasting for marble quarrying poses a threat to the forests near Puerto Gaera. Hunting with snares for food procurement and for the pet trade are additional threats, especially during the dry season between February and May.

literature

  • Kennedy, RS, Gonzales PC, Dickinson EC, Miranda, Jr, HC, Fisher TH: A Guide to the Birds of the Philippines . Oxford University Press, Oxford. 2000.
  • Del Hoyo, J., Elliot, A. & Sargatal, J. (Editors) (1997): Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 4: Sandgrouse to Cuckoos . Lynx Edicions. ISBN 8487334229

Web links