Alectroenas pulcherrimus
The Seychelles Blue Pigeon, or Pizon Olande, is a strikingly beautiful and distinctive species endemic to the Seychelles archipelago, renowned for its vibrant plumage and island-restricted existence. Measuring approximately 25 cm (10 inches) in length and weighing around 140-160 grams (5-5.6 oz), this medium-sized pigeon is instantly recognizable by its deep indigo-blue body feathers, which shimmer with iridescence. Its most prominent field marks include a bright red fleshy wattle of bare ski...
Primarily inhabits moist tropical and subtropical lowland forests, coastal woodlands, and cultivated areas, typically found from sea level up to the highest elevations of the granitic islands.
Primarily frugivorous, feeding on a wide variety of fruits and berries, supplementing with some seeds and occasionally small invertebrates. They forage mainly in the forest canopy, plucking food directly from trees.
Seychelles Blue Pigeons are diurnal, typically observed singly or in pairs, foraging quietly within the forest canopy, though they may occasionally form small, loose flocks around abundant food sources. They are largely arboreal, spending most of their time in trees, roosting amongst dense foliag...
The Seychelles Blue Pigeon is strictly endemic to the Seychelles archipelago in the western Indian Ocean. Its breeding range encompasses the granitic islands of the inner Seychelles, including larger islands such as Mahé, Praslin, La Digue, Silhouette, Félicité, and Frégate, as well as smaller is...
Near Threatened
- The Seychelles Blue Pigeon is known locally as the 'Pizon Olande', meaning 'Dutch Pigeon', possibly due to its striking, almost artificial-looking coloration. - Unlike many pigeon species that lay two eggs, the Seychelles Blue Pigeon typically lays only a single egg per clutch. - Its bright red...