Zenaida graysoni
The Socorro Dove, *Zenaida graysoni*, is a captivating member of the pigeon and dove family, tragically extinct in the wild but thriving in dedicated captive breeding programs. This medium-sized dove, measuring approximately 26.5 to 34 cm in length and weighing around 200 grams, exhibits a striking appearance. Its most distinctive field marks include a deep rufous-chestnut plumage on its underparts, a contrasting grayish-blue head, and a prominent bright red orbital ring that encircles its ey...
Historically, the Socorro Dove inhabited arid scrubland, deciduous forest edges, and ravines within volcanic terrain on Socorro Island, typically found at low to mid-elevations.
The Socorro Dove's diet primarily consists of seeds, fruits (especially from *Opuntia* cactus), and small invertebrates, all gathered through ground foraging.
Socorro Doves are primarily diurnal, spending much of their day foraging on the ground among leaf litter and undergrowth. Their foraging strategy involves gleaning seeds, fallen fruits, and small invertebrates from the forest floor. Males establish and defend small breeding territories through vo...
Historically, the Socorro Dove was strictly endemic to Socorro Island, the largest of the Revillagigedo Archipelago, located off the western coast of Mexico. Its native range was thus confined to a single, isolated volcanic island in the Pacific Ocean. As of 1994, the species was declared Extinct...
Extinct in the Wild
- The Socorro Dove was declared Extinct in the Wild in 1994, largely due to predation by feral cats introduced to Socorro Island. - All living Socorro Doves are descendants of a small founding population of about 20 birds brought into captivity between 1980 and 1995. - It is one of the closest re...