A Survey of Treron phoenicoptera (Latham, 1790) in District Mirpurkhas, Sindh, Pakistan

Abstract

Though Sindh province of Pakistan has rich biodiversity, a large number of its animal species are still unknown to the world. The yellow-footed green pigeon (Treron phoenicoptera) has an extremely limited distribution, and habitat fragmentation is blamed for that. It is seen very rarely in different parts of Pakistan and therefore very little is known about this species. In this context, a study was proposed to delve into distribution of T. phoenicoptera in district Mirpurkhas and the survey was carried out from January to December 2024. The extent of its distribution was confirmed along with ascertaining the status of bird as permanent resident or temporary visitor. Present study recorded Yellow footed green pigeon through observations carried out from early morning to late evening. The morphological characteristics and all the possible variations in morphological parameters were recorded for the definite identification of species in question. Present study recorded the distribution of T. phoenicoptera in district Mirpurkhas extremely rare, while their nesting sites were found harboring these pigeons permanently specifically in agricultural areas of fruit cultivations unlike other pigeon species that make nests in human settlement areas. The T. phoenicopterus was recorded as yellowish olive-green, while the crown was blue grey. The outer ring of iris was pink-red and inner ring was observed pale blue.  Their bill was silver grey with light green color, while legs were bright yellow. The morphometric was recorded as: body weight (g) 251.8±9.3, body length (cm): 29.9±2.5, tail feathers length (cm): 9.1±2.1, and wingspan length (cm):19.2±2.0.