Thick-billed ground dove facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Thick-billed ground dove |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Pampusana
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| Species: |
salamonis
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| Synonyms | |
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The thick-billed ground dove (Pampusana salamonis) was a type of dove that is now extinct. It belonged to the Columbidae family, which includes all doves and pigeons. This special bird lived on the Solomon Islands.
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What Did the Thick-Billed Ground Dove Look Like?
We don't know much about this dove because only two examples were ever found. One was found in 1882 and the other in 1927. The first one, called the holotype, is kept at the Australian Museum in Sydney.
This dove was about 26 cm (10 inches) long. Its head, throat, and chest were a light beige color. The upper part of its body was a reddish-brown, like a chestnut. Its wings had a soft purple shine. In contrast, its belly was a dark chocolate color.
Where Did It Live and How Did It Behave?
The thick-billed ground dove likely lived in dry beach forests. These forests were found on Makira (which used to be called San Cristobal) and the small Ramos Island. Both islands are part of the Solomon Islands. It might have also lived on other nearby islands in the past.
Like other doves in its group, this bird spent most of its time on the ground. This made it easy prey for animals that were brought to the islands by people. These animals included rats, wild pigs, cats, and dogs.
Why Did the Thick-Billed Ground Dove Disappear?
Sadly, the thick-billed ground dove became extinct. Its habitat was destroyed when people cut down lowland forests for wood. Hunting also played a part in its disappearance.
Even though it was last seen in 1927, the IUCN (a group that tracks endangered species) waited a long time to say it was extinct. Many searches were done in the places where it used to live. However, after a final search on Ramos Island in 2004 found no doves, it was officially declared extinct in 2005.
It probably disappeared around the middle of the 20th century. This was a time when there was a lot more activity around World War II. This activity affected many unique birds in the area. More searches for birds on Makira in 2015 and 2016 also did not find any sign of the thick-billed ground dove.
What's in a Name? Changing the Dove's Genus
This species used to be in a different group, or genus, called Alopecoenas. This name was given by Richard Bowdler Sharpe in 1899. However, in 2019, its genus name was changed to Pampusana. This name was given by Charles Lucien Bonaparte in 1855. The change happened because Pampusana was named earlier, and in science, the oldest name usually gets priority.
