The Socorro Dove (Zenaida graysoni) is an extremely rare bird and extinct in the wild. It is related to the Mourning Dove.
The Socorro Dove is a deep cinnamon colour with a blue-grey neck that has an iridescent pink patch. It has black patches on its lower back. It has pink legs and a grey beak with a pink cere.
Socorro Dove
It is a medium-sized bird, measuring about 34 centimetres (13 inches) tall.
The Socorro Dove used to live on the island of Socorro in the Revillagigedo Islands, near Mexico. Feral cats caused the bird’s extinction. The last sighting in the wild was in 1972. It is only seen now in zoos, such as the London Zoo. The breeding program aims to re-introduce the bird back to Socorro Island.
It prefers arid regions.
It is terrestrial, living and feeding on the ground.
Socorro Dove
Socorro Dove
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM