When people first arrived in the Seychelles, Turtle Doves were so tame that they could be knocked out of the trees with sticks. This pigeon is found naturally on many islands in the Indian Ocean. In Seychelles, different varieties or subspecies have evolved on Aldabra, the Amirantes (now extinct) and the granitic islands. Yet another subspecies has been introduced to some of these islands from Madagascar. The Madagascar type is large, with a grey head, and has replaced the native Seychelles type on many islands. The upper parts tend to be pale brown, and the underparts are often a shade of pink The native type is smaller, with a purple head, and some may still survive on Aride, Cousin and Cousine. The Madagascar Turtle Dove spends a lot of time on the ground but is also a strong flier, easily flying between close islands. They make a monotonous cooing sound. These birds eat mainly seeds throughout the year supplemented by fruit and insects when they are available.
Facts:
Scientific Name: Nesoenas picturatus
Creole name: Tourtrel Dezil
Wingspan: 37-43cm.
Population in Seychelles: Unknown: tens of thousands.
World Distribution: Different varieties or subspecies are found in Madagascar, Comores, Aldabra, Seychelles. Introduced to Mauritius, Reunion and Chagos.
Distribution in Seychelles: Breeds on most large and medium-sized granite islands, also Bird and Denis.
Habitat: Woodland, scrub, gardens.
Nests: A stick nest is built in trees and shrubs.
Eggs: Two white eggs.
Diet: Mainly seeds, also fruit and a few insects.
Identification: A large pink-brown pigeon with a grey or purple head, usually seen on the ground.
See more
Species Fact Sheet at BirdLife Data Zone
(Photo credit: Dave Rogers)