Alectroenas sganzini
The Comoro Blue Pigeon (Alectroenas sganzini) is a strikingly beautiful, medium-sized arboreal pigeon endemic to the Comoro Archipelago and Mayotte, renowned for its vivid plumage. Measuring approximately 27-28 cm in length with a wingspan of about 40-45 cm and weighing 140-160 grams, its most distinctive feature is its iridescent dark blue body, contrasting sharply with a bright white head and neck, often tinged with a delicate pale pink or silvery-white sheen. A prominent patch of bright re...
Primarily inhabits humid evergreen forests, particularly montane and coastal forest fragments, but can also be found in secondary growth and cultivated areas. It occurs from sea level up to approximately 1700 meters elevation.
Feeds predominantly on a variety of fruits, berries, and seeds, especially those of native forest trees and shrubs. It forages by plucking food items directly from plants while perched.
The Comoro Blue Pigeon is largely arboreal and diurnal, spending most of its time foraging high in the canopy, often alone or in small, loose groups. Its foraging strategy involves deliberately plucking fruits directly from branches, occasionally making short, agile flights between fruiting trees...
The Comoro Blue Pigeon is strictly confined to the islands of the Comoro Archipelago and Mayotte in the western Indian Ocean. Its primary breeding range encompasses Grande Comore (Ngazidja), Mohéli (Mwali), Anjouan (Nzwani), and the French overseas department of Mayotte (Maore). Within these isla...
Near Threatened
- The Comoro Blue Pigeon is a true island specialist, endemic only to the Comoro Archipelago and Mayotte. - Its scientific name, *sganzini*, honors the Italian naturalist and explorer Ignazio Sganzin, who collected specimens in Madagascar. - Unlike many pigeon species, its head and neck are a str...