Status: | Species: | Common Name: | Last Update: |
---|---|---|---|
Offline | Pezophaps solitaria | Rodriguez Solitaire | ----- |
Offline | Raphus cucullatus | Dodo | ----- |
Offline | Raphus solitarius | Reunion Solitaire | ----- |
The family Raphidae is a group of birds better known as doves and pigeons, belonging to the order Columbiformes. Members of this family are characterized by stout bodies, short necks, and slender bills with a fleshy cere. They are found worldwide, occupying diverse habitats ranging from forests and grasslands to urban areas. Most Raphidae species feed primarily on seeds, fruits, and occasionally small invertebrates. They are notable for their unique ability to produce “crop milk”, a nutrient-rich secretion used to feed their young. Socially, they can be solitary, pair-bonded, or form large flocks, and many species are strong fliers with remarkable homing abilities. Their ecological role includes seed dispersal, making them important contributors to ecosystem health.