Providence blue pigeon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Providence blue pigeon |
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| Conservation status | |
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Extinct, 1880s
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Alectroenas
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| Species: |
sp.
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The Providence blue pigeon (Alectroenas sp.) was a type of bird that is now extinct. This means it no longer lives anywhere on Earth. It used to live on islands in the Seychelles, like Farquhar, Providence, and St. Pierre. People also called it the Farquhar Islands blue pigeon or small blue pigeon.
What Did the Providence Blue Pigeon Look Like?
The Providence blue pigeon was a kind of blue pigeon. It probably looked a lot like the Seychelles blue pigeon. Some people even think it might have been the same species. These pigeons built their nests on Mapou trees and other similar small trees.
In the early 1800s, there were many of these pigeons on Farquhar. They were known for being very tame. This meant they were not afraid of people and would not fly away easily.
When Did This Pigeon Live?
We know about the Providence blue pigeon from old writings. In 1821–1822, Captain Fairfax Moresby wrote about his travels. He mentioned seeing "small blue pigeons" on the islands.
A document about voyages in the southwest Indian Ocean in 1821–22, written by Captain Fairfax Moresby:
"Jean de Nova i.e. Farquhar and Providence ... like the Amirantes, Coetivy and Alphonse are the resort of Millions of Birds of which, the Frigate Bird, the Fou, a beautiful small white gull, a variety of various coloured Gannet, and the Tropic Bird are the principle: In S. Pierre and Providence a species of small blue pigeon are in great abundance, and so seldom disturbed that they do not fly at Man's approach, but are knock'd down with Sticks, we found them excessively good eating, these birds build and nest on the Mapou tree and other Dwarf trees which cover the surface of the islands..."
Captain Moresby wrote that these pigeons were very common. He said they were so tame that people could just knock them down with sticks. He also said they tasted very good.
In 1968, a geographer named David Stoddart visited Farquhar. He looked for blue pigeons but could not find any. This showed that the Providence blue pigeon was no longer living there. We do not know exactly why these pigeons became extinct.
