Observations on the Seychelles blue pigeon (Alectroenas pulcherrima)

In my post of 10th August 2008 I wrote at length about the colonisation of Denis by Blue pigeons over the last 10-15 years and how today the island hosts a quite large and healthy population. There are no earlier records of blue pigeons on the island from visits in the early and mid-20th century or the 1970s so it would appear that man-induced changes have created suitable habitat on the island to enable it to establish a population on Denis.

In particular human activity has introduced various broadleaved tree species such that today some 30% of the island has a broadleaf canopy – and ongoing vegetation management programmes means this is likely expand considerably in the coming years.
Of particular note however are the fig (Ficus nautarum) and banyan trees (Ficus benghalensis) which now prosper on the island. The blue pigeon particularly likes to feast on the fruit of these trees. The small bright red fruit draws the birds in flocks to even very young trees – with at least 23 birds being counted in just one fig tree in 2008.

I have also frequently observed birds feeding on the white berries of the coastal bush “Veloutye” (Scaevola sericea) in the hotel grounds and around the southern point. During my visit last month I was able to capture a good photo of this behaviour (see sidebar). During the heat of the day it also common to see them in small groups perched in Bwa Kassan (Guettarda speciosa). The impression I receive of this behaviour is that the heavy shade offered by this coastal tree is ideal for the birds to shelter when the sun is high in the sky without them having to stray too far from a berried Veloutye bush.

Evidence of regular breeding continues with juveniles frequently being seen around the island – including one instance of twins I encountered a few months ago. The Blue pigeon is a remarkably beautiful bird with its red wattle and eye, powder grey neck and slate blue wings and lower body. The juvenile is very different however with no red colouration and drab grey and slate plumage with a tinge of an almost moldy green to the wings. One juvenile very kindly perched conveniently for me to photo in April (see sidebar).