Pezophaps solitaria

Pezophaps solitaria, also known as the Rodrigues solitaire, was an extinct bird species native to the island of Rodrigues in the Mascarene Islands. This large, flightless bird was part of the Columbiformes order, related to pigeons and doves.1

The Rodrigues solitaire, along with the dodo and the Réunion solitaire, likely evolved in the predator-free environment of the Mascarene Islands, leading to the loss of their ability to fly. These birds became large, heavily built creatures, comparable in size to a turkey, with strong bills and feet. Their wings were rudimentary, and their sternum had a small keel.1

The extinction of Pezophaps solitaria is attributed to the arrival of sailors and the introduction of livestock such as pigs, which preyed on the birds and competed with them for resources. The species became extinct around 1791. The genus Pezophaps is defined by this extinct solitaire, with its name deriving from Greek words meaning "walking" and "wild pigeon".12