"DNA has revealed an old museum specimen known as the 'Liverpool Pigeon' to be a genuine extinct species, and a close relative of the Dodo. Having sat in the World Museum, Liverpool, UK, since first being described in 1783, the only remaining specimen of Spotted Green Pigeon (aka 'Liverpool Pigeon') has finally given up its relationships by the power of DNA analysis. The specimen has never had locality details as far as is known, but came from the collections of two collectors – Sir Joseph Banks and General Davies – known to have specialised in Oceania."
http://www.birdwatch.co.uk/channel/news ... te=__15547
DNA study identifies 'Spotted Green Pigeon'
- Michael Szabo
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DNA study identifies 'Spotted Green Pigeon'
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Re: DNA study identifies 'Spotted Green Pigeon'
A fascinating paper indeed. What a shame the collection locality is unknown.
Photos of the closest relative - Nicobar pigeon, from Palau in May. Immature, so the stunning long neck feathers and white tail feathers haven’t developed. The short tail is characteristic of the Nicobar pigeon and makes them very easy to distinguish in flight – completely different from the long tail of the specimen discussed in the paper. So I am puzzled as to how they could have been considered to potentially be the same species.
This one ground-foraged seeds for some 20 minutes, happily ignoring the observer just a few metres distant. Perhaps the closest I will get to watching a Dodo.
Photos of the closest relative - Nicobar pigeon, from Palau in May. Immature, so the stunning long neck feathers and white tail feathers haven’t developed. The short tail is characteristic of the Nicobar pigeon and makes them very easy to distinguish in flight – completely different from the long tail of the specimen discussed in the paper. So I am puzzled as to how they could have been considered to potentially be the same species.
This one ground-foraged seeds for some 20 minutes, happily ignoring the observer just a few metres distant. Perhaps the closest I will get to watching a Dodo.
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Re: DNA study identifies 'Spotted Green Pigeon'
Sorry - didn't intend to put the same photo in twice.
- Michael Szabo
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Re: DNA study identifies 'Spotted Green Pigeon'
Nice photos - I only saw the adults when I was there.
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Re: DNA study identifies 'Spotted Green Pigeon'
I've been lucky enough to see that specimen
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