© L Peat

Wild diet: Predominantly herbivorous, feeding on grasses, shoots, leaves, flowers, fallen fruits and seeds with the intake of invertebrates if the oppourtunity arises. 50 different plant species have been recorded to consitute to the wid diet, though only a few species create the bulk of it. These include: Nuxia Verticillata, Aphloia theiformis, Erythrospermum monticolum, Lantana camara, Pittosporum senacia and Diospyros. The pink pigeon has adapted to seasonal availbility of certain vegetation by feeding on flowers and fruits of Antidesma madagaskariense and taberneamontana mauritiana between September and December. During months from January to April the species will consume Nuxia Verticillata and Aphloia theiformis. A captive group of pink pigeons released in situ were observed feeding on 16 plant species, several of which are known to be consumed by wild pink pigeons. These released birds were regularly observered eating the fruits of Passifora suberosa, the leaves of Erythina variegata and when in season the flowers of Gliricidia sepium and the young leaves of Toona ciliata.

Feeding strategy: Feeds both on the ground and in trees/shrubs. The hooked tip of the bill allows for this species to pluck flowers, fruits and leaves of vegetation. On some occasions the bird may even hang upside down gripping branches with its feet. Foraging has been seen to be carried out in individually, in pairs or in family groups.

Wild weight ranges: Male:240- 410g Female:213-369g