Tooth-billed pigeon photographed in Samoa

[Michael Szabo]

An immature tooth-billed pigeon (Didunculus strigirostris) has been seen and photographed by a research team from Samoa's Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) during an intensive field search of "Salelologa" forest on the island of Savaii, documenting the first sighting in almost a decade:
http://www.birdlife.org/pacific/news/st ... appearance

[SomesBirder]

I knew that they were endangered, but I had no idea that they were that rare.
The fact that the species still exists is what matters, though.

[Michael Szabo]

Yes, they're endangered so I think the most important things to do now will be more surveying and to set up some pest control in the vicinity. It's also encouraging that it's an immature bird - at least one pair is still breeding successfully, hopefully more.

[Byrd]

I was just going to post this. I knew you would be interested Michael!

Only problem is now I have to make a return trip to the islands to try and find one myself!!

[Michael Szabo]

Spot on - but then that's a good reason to go back, plus Samoan white-eye and potential new seabirds... : )

[Michael Szabo]

A second photo of the same bird has been posted here:
http://www.birdwatch.co.uk/channel/news ... te=__15114

[ledzep]

http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/south-pacific/9650193/Pigeon-feared-extinct-found-in-Samoa

[Michael Szabo]

I posted news of this in the 'South Pacific Birds' forum last week along with a second photo of the immature bird that was seen: viewtopic.php?f=15&t=3286

[Neil Fitzgerald]

Merged threads.

[Michael Szabo]

Thanks Neil