Scientists have determined that the sadly-extinct Dodo bird belongs to the pigeon and dove family. The only silver lining is that the Dodo still has relatives living in the world today.
The closest relative to the Dodo is the colorful Nicobar pigeon. Although the resemblance between the two species is not immediately noticeable, this close connection is scientifically irrefutable.
Photo Credit: Larry Lim
The immediate difference apart from size is the Nicobar Pigeons vibrant plumage that shines with iridescent blues, greens, and coppers, finished off with a white tail and reddish legs.
Photo Credit Tomfriedel – http://www.birdphotos.com – direct link – CC BY 3.0
This colorful show has developed simply because of the bird’s location on an isolated group of small islands. They can be found on the Andaman, and Nicobar Islands, India, east through the Malay Archipelago, to the Solomons, and Palau.
A bird that lacks natural predators, meaning they don’t need to conceal themselves enabling them to develop a stunning appearance.
Photo Credit: Allen Chang
Its exact population count is unknown, and due to the release of non-native predators like rats and cats in these islands, this beautiful pigeon is considered near threatened with extinction.
Photo Credit: PietervH
Conservation efforts have been proposed to help the birds thrive again.
Photo Credit: Steve Wilson
Photo Credit – Cburnett – CC BY 3.0
Photo Credit – Trisha Shears – CC BY 2.0
Photo Credit – JavAlvarezS – CC BY-SA 4.0
