(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species PIGEON, PLAIN, PUERTO RICAN
Species Id ESIS104007
Date 14 MAR 96
TAXONOMY
NAME - PIGEON, PLAIN, PUERTO RICAN
OTHER COMMON NAMES - PIGEON, PLAIN, PUERTO RICAN;PIGEON and BLUE; PALOMA BOBA;PALOMA CENIZA; PALOMA DE POTRERO; PALOMA SALVAJE; TORQUAZA CENICIENTA;TORQUAZA BOBA
ELEMENT CODE -
CATEGORY - Birds
PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - CHORDATA,
CLASS AND SUBCLASS - AVES,
ORDER AND SUBORDER - COLUMBIFORMES,
FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - COLUMBIDAE,
GENUS AND SUBGENUS - COLUMBA,
SPECIES AND SSP - INORNATA, WETMOREI
SCIENTIFIC NAME - COLUMBA INORNATA WETMOREI
AUTHORITY -
TAXONOMY REFERENCES -
COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY -
Puerto Rican Plain Pigeon
Columba inornata wetmorei Peters, 1937
KINGDOM: Animal GROUP: Bird
PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Aves
ORDER: Columbiformes FAMILY: Columbidae
In the plain pigeon sexes are similar. Head, neck, lesser
coverts, breast down to the upper abdomen vinaceous; paler in the
ventral regions. Back and primary coverts grayish brown. Rest of
dorsal and ventral parts grayish-blue; tail darker. Folded wing
shows a white leading margin. In flight these white coverts form a
conspicuous bar across the wing. Eyes are blue in the adults, bill
black. Legs and feet are dark red. Females can be distinguished from
males by the following: Head is smaller, chin is white instead of
vinaceous, and in most specimens brown on coverts of the wing is
surrounded with a grayish margin. In immatures the general color is
grayish-brown, primary feathers with buff tipping, eyes are brown,
legs purplish.
Vigors (1827) described Columba inornata based on specimens from
Cuba (01). The scientific name used for the birds of Cuba was also
used for plain pigeons of the Greater Antilles, until 1915. In that
Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species PIGEON, PLAIN, PUERTO RICAN
Species Id ESIS104007
Date 14 MAR 96
year, Ridgway named Chloroenas inornata exsul from Puerto Rico, giving
only the measurements of the type specimen (USNM 236736) (02). In
1916, Ridgway summarized variations in the species, recognizing four
subspecies: one from Isle of Pines; another for Cuba and Hispaniola;
a third one for Jamaica; and one for Puerto Rico (03). When the
several genera into which Ridgway had divided the American pigeons
were reunited with Columba, the name exsul was replaced with wetmorei
(C. inornata wetmorei) (04). The division of C. inornata into three
subspecies has been widely accepted (05,06,07,08,09). Nevertheless,
Banks after examining and measuring 50 skins of plain pigeons from
different islands found no difference in size among specimens studied
(10). He has suggested that Columba inornata should be considered a
monotypic species. It should be mentioned that his sample size is
small and only included six (6) skins from Jamaica and three (3) from
Puerto Rico. In addition, he was not able to compare differences in
coloration between specimens from Jamaica and Puerto Rico as these
skins were so old that they were grease burned and discolored (10).
Two fresh skins from the Dominican Republic, examined by Perez-Rivera,
showed a darker head than the birds from Puerto Rico. The song of a
captive male sounded different from the Puerto Rico captive
population. In addition, the Hispaniolan plain pigeon usually lays
two eggs, while the Puerto Rican form produces a single egg clutch.
These differences do not support Bank's theory. Earlier authors,
however, had no more to look at than Banks (10) and often less. Banks
also suggested that the plain pigeon became extinct in Puerto Rico in
1912 and that the population presently on the island corresponds to
recent reinvasion of the species from neighboring islands. It also
should be mentioned that Banks overlooked information that does not
support his data (09,11,12). Remnant groups of plain pigeons at least
were present at Utuado, Gurabo, Cayey and Cidra (13).
Synonyms for the common name of the plain pigeon include, in
English, blue pigeon (07,16), and the Spanish names paloma boba,
paloma ceniza (08,16), paloma de Potrero, paloma salvaje, torquaza
ceniceinta, and torquaza boba (16).
Taxonomy - 2 (DRAFT) - Status
Species PIGEON, PLAIN, PUERTO RICAN
Species Id ESIS104007
Date 14 MAR 96
STATUS
Coded Status
Puerto Rico; Federal Endangered
Puerto Rico; State Listed
E: Federal Endangered
Federal Migratory
Commercial/consumption
Game (Consumptive Recreational)
Non-consumptive recreational
COMMENTS ON STATUS -
U.S. STATUSES AND LAWS:
The Puerto Rican plain pigeon (Columba inornata wetmorei) has
been designated an Endangered species pursuant to the Endangered
Species Act of 1973 (50 CFR 17.11; P.L. 93-205, 87 Stat. 884; 16
U.S.C. 1531-1540), as amended. The subspecies has this status
wherever found including the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
This subspecies is protected by the Lacey Act (P.L. 97-79, as
amended; 16 U.S.C. 3371 et seq.) which makes it unlawful to import,
export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase any wild
animal (alive or dead including parts, products, eggs, or offspring):
(1) in interstate or foreign commerce if taken, possessed,
transported or sold in violation of any State law or
regulation; or
(2) if taken or possessed in violation of any U.S. law,
treaty, or regulation or in violation of Indian tribal law.
It is also unlawful to possess any wild animal (alive or dead
including parts, products, eggs, and offspring) within the U.S.
territorial or special maritime jurisdiction (as defined in
18 U.S.C. 7) that is taken, possessed, transported, or sold in
violation of any State law or regulation, foreign law, or Indian
tribal law.
The subspecies is protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act
(16 U.S.C. 703-711 et seq.; 50 CFR 10.13) under the species name
Columba inornata.
RESPONSIBLE FEDERAL AGENCIES:
USFWS -Responsible for the management/recovery, listing, and
law enforcement/protection of this species.
DOD -Responsible for the law enforcement/protection of this
species with applicable State and Federal laws on
public land under their control. Also responsible for
management/recovery on Department of Defense lands.
All Federal agencies have responsibility to ensure that any
action authorized, funded, or carried out by that agency is not likely
to jeopardize the continued existence of the species or result in the
Status - 1 (DRAFT) - Status
Species PIGEON, PLAIN, PUERTO RICAN
Species Id ESIS104007
Date 14 MAR 96
destruction or adverse modification of Critical Habitat (50 CFR 402),
and to utilize their authorities to carry out programs for the
conservation of the species.
STATE STATUSES AND LAWS:
STATE: Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
DESIGNATED STATUS: Endangered
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: Department of Natural Resources
STATE STATUTE: Regulation to Govern the Management of Threatened
and Endangered Species in the Commonwealth of
Puerto Rico, 1985; Organic Act, Sec. 155; and
Wildlife Act, Sec. 85.
INTERNATIONAL STATUSES, TREATIES, AND AGREEMENTS:
The Puerto Rican plain pigeon (C. i. wetmorei) is listed as
Endangered in the IUCN Red Data Book, 1977; and is also listed by the
Convention on Nature Protection and Wildlife Preservation in the
Western Hemisphere, 1970.
ECONOMIC STATUSES:
The plain pigeon has been hunted in the past and may still be
hunted illegally. Eggs and squabs have been taken illegally for food
and for pets. It also has been reported to predate upon crops (refer
to the table in N-BIOLOGY concerning Food Habits). As an Endangered
species it has value in recreational bird watching.
70/10/13:35 FR 16047/ - Amended, List of Endangered Fish & Wildl.
85/04/05:50 FR 13708/13722 - Revised list of Migratory Birds
85/07/22:50 FR 29901/29909 - Five year review
Status - 2 HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS
HABITAT - TERRESTRIAL
TERRESTRIAL
LAND USE -
Residential
Mixed Urban or Built-up Land
Cropland and Pasture
Herbaceous Rangeland
Deciduous Forest Land
Evergreen Forest Land
Mixed Forest Land
Streams and Canals
Lakes
Forested Wetland
NATIONAL WETLAND INVENTORY CODES
NWI NWICLS NWIMOD NWISPEC
Riverine, intermittent SB
Riverine, upper perennial SB
Lacustrine, littoral OW0
Lacustrine, littoral
COMMENTS ON HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS -
According to Danforth (1936), the Puerto Rican plain pigeon is a
typical lowland species (11). Biaggi (1970) described the species
from lowland woodlands and also from lowland swamps (06). The same
author mentioned that Luis Bermudez shot a specimen in Naguabo (a
coastal locality of the eastern part of the island). In 1981
Perez-Rivera recorded the species from a remnant of a mangrove in
Ponce (south coast) and from the haystack hills of the north coast
(12). In the latter he found a mixture of evergreen forest,
semi-evergreen forest and deciduous formations. Nevertheless, the
main population of plain pigeons in Puerto Rico remains between Cidra
and Cayey, areas considered as lower montane forest. In this area
habitat alteration has occurred to the point where vegetation is now
entirely controlled by man (except in Carite Forest) (09). Most of
the land at these localities is used for crops and pasture for
livestock. In Cidra, the pigeon can be observed year-round in areas
surrounding the town, mainly in patches of hardwood secondary forest,
introduced bamboo stands and abandoned coffee plantations (17,21).
Birds have been observed apparently consuming salt from livestock
licks (09).
The following are the habitat types used for nesting by plain
pigeons in the areas of Cidra and Cayey. In these habitats water is
always nearby in the form of a lake, river or stream:
Pine Forest - Since the early 1980's the Puerto Rican plain pigeon has
been observed at the Carite Forest (Cayey) (17). The locality is a
state forest managed by the Department of Natural Resources of Puerto
Rico. Plain pigeons have been found at elevations from 2000-2500 ft.
Most of the sightings have been made in 12-17 year old, introduced
stands ranging from 2-5 acres, with trees that reach a height of 50-60
ft. Only two nests of plain pigeons have been found in this type of
habitat.
Coffee Plantations - The shade forest in abandoned coffee plantations
Habitat Associations - 1 have been used for nesting by plain pigeons at Cidra as well as
Utuado. In this formation, the emergent vegetation forms an almost
continuous canopy of trees 50-70 feet high. Common species in this
shade forest are white-prickle (Zanthoxylum martinicense), mammee
apple (Mammea americana), breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis), and remnant
trees of the natural forest such as tabonuco (Dacryodes excelsa) (13).
The underforest or understory is formed by the coffee shrubs.
Bamboo Groves - The bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) nesting groves are
composed of mature, dense stands of bamboo along ravine banks or along
banks of Cidra Lake (Lago de Cidra) (09,21). These stands are
surrounded by pasture lands, sugar cane and human constructions
(residences). The width of the groves varies from 50 to 100 feet and
they extend from 100 feet to almost 2 km in length along the ravines
(21). These stands are almost exclusively bamboo with an occasional
tree near the outer fringes (09,21). Common trees associated with
bamboo are: Matchwood (Didymopanax morototoni), trumpet-tree
(Cecropia peltata) and rose-apple (Eugenia jambos) (09,21). Different
species of Miconia shrubs are common on the periphery of the bamboo
stands. This type of habitat was established by dairy farm owners to
avoid erosion and provide good shaded places for their cattle.
Hardwood Canyons - In this type of habitat the Puerto Rican plain
pigeon roosts, feeds, and breeds (08,09,21). The hardwood
associations are mainly canyons which occur along banks of shallow
ravines formed by runoff water. Some are almost pure stands of the
introduced rose-apple (21). Nevertheless, most of them are patches of
secondary forest formed primarily by rose-apple, matchwood,
trumpet-tree, white-prickle, and the African tuliptree (Spathodea
campanulata) (21). Height of the vegetation ranges from 25-60 ft.
These forests contain mainly two strata, with a few emergent trees
such as matchwood, white-prickle and African tuliptree and a closed
second strata of trees from 25-35 feet, formed mainly by rose-apple.
Areas covered with vines seem to be preferred for nest construction.
Habitat Associations - 2 (DRAFT) - Food Habits
Species PIGEON, PLAIN, PUERTO RICAN
Species Id ESIS104007
Date 14 MAR 96
FOOD HABITS
TROPHIC LEVEL -
HERBIVORE
LIFESTAGE FOOD FOOD PART
General Forb Leaves/Stems
General Evergreen Shrubs-Flowers/Fruit/Seed
General Lianas-Leaves/Twigs
General Lianas-Flowers/Fruit/Seed
General Arthropods
General Deciduous Trees-Flowers/Fruit/Seed
General Evergreen Trees-Flowers/Fruit/Seed
Food Habits - 1 (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
Species PIGEON, PLAIN, PUERTO RICAN
Species Id ESIS104007
Date 14 MAR 96
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G = General A = Adult
LIM = Limiting RA = Resting Adult
J = Juvenile FA = Feeding Adult
RJ = Resting Juvenile BA = Breeding Adult
FJ = Feeding Juvenile P = Pupae
L = Larvae E = Egg
RL = Resting Larvae
FL = Feeding Larvae
LIFESTAGE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G Coastal Features: Vegetated offshore islands
G Terrestrial Features: upper 1/3 of slope
Environment Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species PIGEON, PLAIN, PUERTO RICAN
Species Id ESIS104007
Date 14 MAR 96
LIFE HISTORY
FOOD HABITS:
Information on the feeding habits of the Puerto Rican plain
pigeon is scattered in various articles (09,21,22,23). Thirty-nine
species of plants, mostly characteristic of early succession, have
been identified as food items for the plain pigeon. Fruits of
"dama de dia" (Cestrum diurnum), royal palm (Roystonea borinquena),
and matchwood (Didimopanax morototoni) seem to form the bulk of the
diet of this pigeon (See Table 1 below). The bird feeds from leaves
(1.7%), flowers (3.0%), buds (3.6%) and fruits (88.1%; N=726). On the
ground the species also feeds from spilled cattle grains (22,23) and
upon insects. Although the pigeon feeds on the ground and on shrubs,
it takes most of its food from trees (59.6%; N=726). On trees it
forages mainly on the outer branches (67.7%). Its strategy in
obtaining food consists of perching on a branch of a shrub or tree and
taking food items from it. On occasion the pigeon will hang from
branches or clumps of fruits in order to obtain its food. Although
the bird may go to the ground to drink water, usually this pigeon
drinks the water that accumulates in aerial plants such as bromeliads
and flowers of the African tuliptree (Spathodea campanulata). The
plain pigeon apparently uses salt since the birds bave been observed
eating wood impregnated with salt at livestock licks and possibly
taking salt from saturated ground licks (09).
The Puerto Rican plain pigeon feeds alone, in pairs and in
intraspecific and interspecific groups that vary from two to three
species and from two to 43 individuals. Feeding in big groups is
common after the breeding season (September to November).
Table 1. Plant species used as food by the Puerto Rican plain
pigeon (Columba inornata wetmorei).
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Plant Species Months of Observation No. Observations
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Cestrum diurnum Feb - Nov 132
Roystonea borinquena Year-round 124
Didimopanax morototoni Jan - Aug; Nov - Dec 103
Trema lamarckiana Jul - Dec 52
Cordia sulcata Aug - Oct 42
Erythrina poeppigiana Feb - Mar; May; Jul; 42
Sept - Oct; Dec
Zanthoxylum martinicense Jun - Sept 28
Miconia prassina Feb - Aug 28
Cattle feed Year-round 24
Zea mays Apr - Aug; & Nov 24
Ficus citrifolia Aug - Oct 23
Solanum torvum Aug - Sept 20
Cecropia peltata Nov - Apr; Jul - Aug 18
Picramia pentandra Jul - Sept 17
----------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species PIGEON, PLAIN, PUERTO RICAN
Species Id ESIS104007
Date 14 MAR 96
HOME RANGE/TERRITORY:
The Puerto Rican plain pigeon, as with many other pigeons,
defends an area around their nesting grounds (08). The nesting
territory defense begins with the construction of the nest and ends
when the squabs fledge (08). The defense behavior increases in
intensity as the nesting cycle progresses. Both members of the pair
defend the territory against intruders of the same species. During
the day the male may come out of the nest to help the female chase an
intruder out of their territory. The plain pigeon on occasion nests
in small colonies (08,09). The distance between nests ranges from
12-75 feet (mean=40) (08,21). The closest distance between successful
nests was 20 feet (08). The size of the territory seems to be
determined by the physiognomy of the vegetation. Home ranges have not
been determined in this species. It has been suggested that the bird
is sedentary (09,24). Mr. Rafael Vazquez hunted the species at the
same locale from 1940-1956 (17). Nevertheless common sightings of
this species outside Cidra-Cayey proper tends to indicate that the
bird is not as sedentary as previously believed (12,13).
PERIODICITY:
Non-breeding Season - The pigeons start coming out of their
roosting areas at sunrise (5:45 am to 6:15 am, depending upon the
time of year). They move to their feeding areas in groups and feed
from 5 to 18 minutes. Most of the morning feeding activities take
place from 7:30 to 8:30 am. Some move to nearby dense trees and
perch for long periods of time. Others leave the area apparently
to drink water. Preening is common among perched pigeons, as is
moving from one branch to another in search of sunlight. Some
pigeons, mainly juveniles, may return to feed after adults have left
the area. At approximately noon, pigeons begin moving to more shaded
areas. When it rains a pigeon may lie on one side and elevate the
exposed wing for rain baths. Some pigeons remain in areas surrounding
the feeding areas most of the day. But most of them leave the area
and do not return until the afternoon. After pigeons have fed in the
afternoon they begin returning to roosting areas (about 4:45 pm) where
they may preen on exposed branches. Males may court females or just
rest until dusk when the birds start moving into the roosting
vegetation.
Breeding Season - The male leaves his roost in the nesting area
in the early morning to feed and drink nearby and then returns at
mid-morning to relieve the female at the nest. The female then goes
to feed and returns in mid-afternoon (about 4:00 pm) to replace the
male.
MIGRATION PATTERNS:
The plain pigeon is a non-migratory species. There is no
evidence of pigeons moving from one island to another. Likewise,
there is no evidence that they did not move between islands in the
past when they were more common.
COVER/SHELTER REQUIREMENTS:
These requirements have not been determined, but probably are the
same described for nesting in hardwood areas (08,09,21). In hardwood
Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species PIGEON, PLAIN, PUERTO RICAN
Species Id ESIS104007
Date 14 MAR 96
canyons the Puerto Rican plain pigeon roosts, feeds, and breeds (08,
09,21). The hardwood associations are mainly canyons which occur
along banks of shallow ravines formed by runoff water. Some are
almost pure stands of the introduced rose-apple (21), but, most
are patches of secondary forest formed primarily by rose-apple,
matchwood, trumpet-tree, white-prickle, and the African tuliptree
(Spathodea campanulata) (21). Height of the vegetation ranges from
25-60 ft. These forests contain mainly two strata, with a few
emergent trees such as matchwood, white-prickle and African tuliptree
and a closed second strata of trees from 25-35 feet, formed mainly by
rose-apple. Areas covered with vines seem to be preferred for nest
construction.
The patches of forests where feeding, roosting and nesting
occur range in size from 1 to 38 acres. Vegetation in these areas is
dense (density of trees has not been determined) and usually covered
with vines. Water is always nearby to these areas in the form of a
lake, river or stream. The age of the patches of forest being used by
the plain pigeon in the area of Cidra ranges from 15 to 50 years.
REPRODUCTIVE SITE REQUIREMENTS:
Reproductive site requirements have not been determined for this
species. Shelter requirements (previously described) are similar to
nesting requirements. Of 40 nests studied by Perez-Rivera and
Collazo, 75% were found in bamboo vegetation (08,21). Of the
remaining 25%, five were found in rose-apple, three in Cydista
aequinoctalis, one in Bucida buceras, and another in a African
tuliptree (21). Nests also have been found on matchwood,
white-prickle and Dacryodes excelsa (09,17). Nests are constructed at
heights of 12 to 80 feet high, the average being 47.6 ft in bamboo (on
the ramification of nodes) and 31.5 ft in hardwood vegetation (08,09,
21). The nests are mainly platforms constructed with dry twigs of
approximately 3/32 on an inch (21).
REPRODUCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS:
In the wild the age of sexual maturity is unknown. In captivity
an eleven month old female laid a fertile egg. The species breeds
year-round with nesting peaks in December, April and June-July (08,09,
21). At least three nesting attempts are made by most pairs yearly
(08,09,21). These birds are monogamous, and probably mate for life.
According to Biaggi (06) and Bond (25) the plain pigeon lays 1-2 eggs.
Nevertheless, more than 100 nests studied by Wiley (09), or
Perez-Rivera and co-workers have not shown more than one egg (08,21).
The incubation period is from 14 (09) to 15 days (08,21).
PARENTAL CARE:
Incubation begins with the laying of a single egg. The female
tends the nest during the night, being relieved from her duty around
9:00 am by the male. The male then incubates the egg until he is
relieved by the female between 3:00 and 5:00 pm (21). The egg is
seldom left alone unless the birds are disturbed by humans or animals
(09,21). Two days before hatching some males pulled out some feathers
and deposited them on the nest (08,21). Once the squab hatches the
adults usually pick up the egg shell and drop it over the nest edge or
Life History - 3 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species PIGEON, PLAIN, PUERTO RICAN
Species Id ESIS104007
Date 14 MAR 96
may carry it out approximately 40 feet from the nest (21). The squab
is fed by both parents, the male being the principal feeder (21).
Brooding or attendance of the squab in the nest is very intensive in
the plain pigeon (up to 19 days), and the chick, even near fledging,
is seldom left alone (09,21). At the age of 21 to 23 days, young
plain pigeons leave the nest (21). Juveniles are fed by adults for at
least two additional weeks after fledging.
POPULATION BIOLOGY:
Limiting factors - the main limiting factor for the plain pigeon,
at least in the area of Cidra, is habitat availability. Essential
habitat (not officially designated) may presently be at a minimum
level (09) and may be precluding populaton growth (17). The bird
nests in traditional areas which are being destroyed at an average of
two nesting areas per year.
Competition - Perez-Rivera and Collazo found similarities in the
feeding habits of the red-necked and plain pigeons (22). Later
Perez-Rivera reported that those areas used by plain pigeons which
were invaded by red-necked pigeons were not utilized again by plain
pigeons for nesting (19). In a later work, Perez-Rivera noticed
overlap in the niche of the two species, but concluded that the plain
pigeon was able to lower the competitive interaction by feeding on the
ground and beginning reproduction earlier than the red-neck (21).
Sex Ratios - Sex ratios of the plain pigeon have not been studied
in the wild. Nevertheless, in captivity there is a ratio of four
males for each female.
Predation - Sources of nest failure include predation by rats and
pearly-eyed thrashers which may destroy eggs or chicks. Potential
predators include the red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) and escaped
pet squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus). Squirrel monkeys have been
sighted in nesting areas in Cidra and are known to prey on bird eggs
and nestlings. Red-tailed hawks have been seen attacking plain
pigeons but no successful captures have been reported (09).
Weather - Hurricanes may be responsible for direct losses of
adult birds and nests as well as destruction or reduction of food
supply.
SPECIES INTERRELATIONSHIPS:
Parasites of the Puerto Rican plain pigeon have been poorly
studied. Perez-Rivera and Collazo reported the plain pigeon as being
parasitized by larvae of a warble fly of the genus Neomusca
(Philornis) (27). One squab was reported dead due to secondary
infection by the parasite (08,09). Nevertheless, during 1984, of a
total of 13 squabs studied, 10 were found to be parasitized (76%) by
Neomusca. Five of the parasitized birds were collected and all
survived the infection, but the other five left in the wild died.
During 1985 the incidence of parasitism by Neomusca was relatively low
and only one parasitized squab died. Apparently warble fly population
numbers are related to climatic factors. This fly seems to be more
common during rainy years than during dry years. The only other
parasite infestations reported on plain pigeons are two cases of
coccidiosis in captive birds (26).
Life History - 4 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species PIGEON, PLAIN, PUERTO RICAN
Species Id ESIS104007
Date 14 MAR 96
OTHER LIFE HISTORY DESCRIPTORS:
None.
Life History - 5 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species PIGEON, PLAIN, PUERTO RICAN
Species Id ESIS104007
Date 14 MAR 96
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE
Beneficial Restricting/regulating human disturbance of populations
Beneficial Maintaining undisturbed/undeveloped areas
Beneficial Restricting/regulating human use of habitats
Beneficial Land Acquisition
Beneficial Controlling pollution [thermal, chemical, physical]
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Agricultural Practice
Beneficial Creating Artificial Habitat/Nesting Structure
Beneficial Reforestation
Beneficial Controlling/Removing Nonnative Vegetation
Beneficial Controlling/Removing Native Vegetation
Beneficial Stocking captive-reared wild-strain animals
Beneficial Transplanting wild animals
Beneficial Rehabilitating Individuals
Beneficial Restricting Poaching
Beneficial Controlling/Removing Invertebrates
Beneficial Controlling/Removing Native Vertebrates
Beneficial Controlling/Removing Exotic Vertebrates
Beneficial Controlling/Removing Domestic Animals
Adverse Harassment/Vandalism/Indiscriminate Killing
Existing Harassment/Vandalism/Indiscriminate Killing
Adverse Poaching
Existing Poaching
Adverse Commercial Exploitation
Existing Commercial Exploitation
Adverse Sport Hunting/Fishing
Existing Sport Hunting/Fishing
Adverse Predation
Existing Predation
Adverse Rural Residential/Industrial Areas
Existing Rural Residential/Industrial Areas
Adverse Competition
Existing Competition
Adverse
Existing
Adverse Harvesting
Existing Harvesting
COMMENTS ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES -
Throughout its range in the Greater Antilles, the plain pigeon
could be considered rare and localized. In Cuba, it is considered
rare (29). There its distribution is highly localized, being found in
Guanahacabibes, Cienaga de Zapata and near Guantanamo. Dod (30)
considered that C. i. inornata was being reduced in numbers in the
Dominican Republic. In a recent trip to the Dominican Republic,
Perez-Rivera (31) considered the species rare and mainly localized
near the frontier of Haiti. In Jamaica, C. inornata exigua had been
considered rare since the last century and endangered more recently.
Meanwhile, the Puerto Rican plain pigeon (C. i. wetmorei) had been so
Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species PIGEON, PLAIN, PUERTO RICAN
Species Id ESIS104007
Date 14 MAR 96
rare, that it was once considered extinct (11).
Past Reasons For Status: Little has been reported on the Puerto
Rican plain pigeon's range and abundance. The decline of this pigeon
in Puerto Rico came at the time of almost total habitat destruction
(09). Extensive clearing of forest began early in the nineteenth
century and by 1828 nearly one-third of the island had been deforested
for agricultural purposes. By 1931 no more that 5000 acres of virgin
forest remained on the island (13). The plain pigeon apparently
survived in patches of virgin forest, secondary forest and shade
forest for coffee plantations (13). Remnant groups at Utuado, Gurabo,
Cayey and Cidra tend to support this hypothesis (12,13).
Poorly regulated hunting seems to be the second most important
factor attributed to the decline of the species. The plain pigeon was
hunted for food (08,15,16). Leopold reported the Puerto Rican plain
pigeon being sold for food as late as 1961 (14). This pigeon could be
easily hunted as it displays an exceptional tameness around man (08,
09,21). In addition, the bird seasonally flocks to feed and also
roosts in groups in traditional areas. These habits increase the ease
of hunting the pigeon. The birds also have been hunted accidentally
when confused with red-necked pigeons (Columba squamosa) (08).
Adverse weather may have been a minor cause of decline in the
Puerto Rico plain pigeon. A local resident of Gurabo reported that
the plain pigeon became rare in that area after the Santa Clara
(Donna) hurricane had passed (04).
Present Reasons for Status: Habitat destruction continues to be
the main problem affecting the plain pigeon in Puerto Rico. In the
area of Cidra an average of two nesting areas are being destroyed
annually (17). The rapid development of Cidra is the most serious
threat to the species at this moment. Future developments for Cidra
include significant alteration of plain pigeon essential habitat, like
an industrial park in the 38 acres of Federico Stubbe. During the
research conducted by Wiley between December 1973 and September 1975,
he found that nest failures were primarily due to human-caused
disturbances (09). In recent years Perez-Rivera encountered the same
problem (17). Disturbances to breeding birds and stealing of squabs
from nests have accounted for most failures in recent years (09,18).
Predation of eggs or squabs by rats (Rattus spp.), pearly-eyed
thrashers (Margarops fuscatus), red-legged thrush (Mimocichla
plumbeus), black-crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) and the
red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) has been reported (08,09,17,18,19,
21). Nevertheless, some of these seem to be secondary effects of
human disturbance (08,09). Although not studied in detail,
competition for nesting areas with the red-necked pigeon (Columba
squamosa) seems to be a problem (19,20,21).
Future Threats: It appears that if the destruction of nesting
areas continues at the present rate, in ten years there will not be
any nesting habitat left for the Puerto Rican plain pigeon in Cidra
(28).
APPROVED PLAN:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1980. Puerto Rican Plain Pigeon
Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Atlanta, GA. 52 pp.
Management Practices - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species PIGEON, PLAIN, PUERTO RICAN
Species Id ESIS104007
Date 14 MAR 96
Actions recommended for the recovery of the Puerto Rican plain
pigeon are:
1) Secure an adequate site for the establishment of a second
population.
2) Establish two distinct populations from captive bred birds.
3) Protect and maintain habitat. Utilize plantings and selective
maintenance of appropriate vegetation (native and non-native),
provide water and salt licks (creating artificial habitat).
Sensitive habitat should be patrolled to limit human disturbance
at critical periods of time (e.g., nesting season) and to prevent
activities, such as trash dumping, which may disrupt nesting.
Fence breeding sites to control disturbance (e.g., from domestic
stock).
4) Control land use (e.g., agricultural practices and urban
development) through zoning, and secure land through fee-title
acquisition, long-term easements, etc.
5) Protect the species from poaching.
6) Minimize predation from native and exotic vertebrates (red-tailed
hawks, rats, pearly-eyed thrasher and feral squirrel monkeys),
losses from parasites (warble fly), and competitors (red-necked
pigeons).
7) Educate the public against hunting this species and habitat
invasion.
8) Establish two captive breeding facilities.
9) Monitor the population and range.
10) Replenish the wild population with captive bred birds or captive
birds taken from the wild because of injury or weakness that have
been rehabilitated. Relocate wild individuals to new sites if
currently occupied habitat becomes unsuitable.
Research should be conducted to determine habitat suitability at
proposed release sites and to determine methods of captive breeding
for maximum productivity.
Ongoing recovery activities include a captive breeding project at
the University of Puerto Rico - Humacao, habitat suitability studies
at Rio Abajo (the proposed site of the second population), monitoring
of populations and nesting success, establishment of no-hunting zones
in areas with plain pigeons, and development of education programs.
Management Practices - 3 (DRAFT) - References
Species PIGEON, PLAIN, PUERTO RICAN
Species Id ESIS104007
Date 14 MAR 96
References
***** REFERENCES FOR ALL NARRATIVES EXCEPT N-OCCURRENCE *****
01 Vigor, N. 1827. On some species of birds from Cuba. Zool. Jour.
3:432-448.
02 Ridgway, R. 1915. Description of some new forms of American
cuckoos, parrots, and pigeons. Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash. 28:105-107.
03 Ridgway, R. 1916. The birds of North and Middle America. Part 7.
U.S. Natl. Mus. Bull. No.50.
04 Peters, J. 1937. Check-list of birds of the world. Vol.3.
Harvard Univ. Press. Cambridge, MA.
05 Bond, J. 1956. Check-list of birds of the West Indies.
Academy of Nat. Sci. of Philadelphia. 214 pp.
06 Biaggi, V. 1970. Las Aves de Puerto Rico. Editorial
Universitaria Rio Piedras, PR. Pages 200-201.
07 Goodwin, D. 1970. Pigeons and doves of the world. Trustees of
the British Museum, London. Pages 109-110.
08 Perez-Rivera, R., and J. Collazo. 1976. Ciclo de vida y algunos
problemas a que se entrenta lo paloma sabanera de Puerto Rico.
Science Ciencia 4(1):10-19.
09 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1982. Puerto Rican Plain Pigeon
Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Atlanta, GA.
52 pp.
10 Banks, R. 1986. A taxonomic reevaluation of the plain pigeon
(Columba inornata). Auk 103:629-631.
11 Danforth, S. 1936. Los pajaros de Puerto Rico. Rand McNally and
Co., New York. 181 pp.
12 Perez-Rivera, R. 1981. Notas adicionales sobre la distribucion
geografica de la paloma sabanera (Columba inornata wetmore) sic en
Puerto Rico. Science Ciencia 8:19-24.
13 Perez-Rivera, R. 1986. Aspectos historicos sobre la distribucion
geographica y habitats utilizados por la paloma sabanera (Columba
inornata wetmorei) en Puerto Rico. Presented at the 7th Symposium
of the Fauna of Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. April 11, 1986.
University of Puerto Rico, Humacao Campus, Humacao, PR.
14 Capo, C. 1925. The island of Puerto Rico. Globe Publ. Co., San
Juan, PR. 121 pp.
15 Wetmore, A. 1916. Birds of Porto Rico. U.S. Dept. of Agric.
Bull. No. 326. 140 pp.
16 Leopold, N. 1963. Checklist of birds of Puerto Rico and the
Virgin Islands. University of Puerto Rico Bull. No. 168. 119 pp.
17 Perez-Rivera, R. 1985. El status de la paloma sabanera (Columba
inornata wetmorei) y de la calandria (Icterus dominicensis
portoricensis) en las partes centrales de Puerto Rico. Memorias
del Quinto Simposio de la Fauna de Puerto Rico y el Caribe.
Universidad de Puerto Rico, Colegio Universitario de Humacao,
Humacao, PR. Pages 34-48.
18 Perez-Rivera, R. 1985. Plain pigeon annual report. On file at:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Serivce and the Department of Natural
Resources of Puerto Rico.
19 Perez-Rivera, R. 1977. Nuevos datos sobre la paloma sabanera.
Science Ciencia 4(3):77-78.
References - 1 (DRAFT) - References
Species PIGEON, PLAIN, PUERTO RICAN
Species Id ESIS104007
Date 14 MAR 96
20 Perez-Rivera, R. 1977. El "status" de la paloma sabanera (Columba
inornata wetmorei) on Puerto Rico. Science Ciencia 5(1):39-40.
21 Perez-Rivera, R. 1978. Preliminary work on the feeding habits,
nesting habitat and reproductive activities of the plain pigeon and
the red-necked pigeon, sympatric species. An analysis of their
interactions. Science Ciencia 5(3):89-98.
22 Perez-Rivera, R. and J. Collazo. 1976. Distribucion geografica,
habites alimentarios y competencia por alimentos de la paloma
sabanera de Puerto Rico. Science Ciencia 3:52-55.
23 Perez-Rivera, R. 1985. Ecologia alimentaria de la paloma sabanera
(Columba inornata wetmorei) de Puerto Rico. Work presented in the
12th Symposium of Natural Resources of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR.
Dec. 18, 1985. (Abstract).
24 Wetmore, A. 1938. Bird remains from the West Indies, 2. Bird
remains from a kitchen midden on Puerto Rico. Auk 55:51-55.
25 Bond, J. 1980. Birds of the West Indies. Houghton Mifflin Co.,
Boston. Page 136.
26 Perez-Rivera, R. 1986. Crianza y mantenimiento en cautiverio de
una poblacion de palomas sabaneras (Columba inornata wetmorei).
Memorias del 6to Simposio de la Fauna de Puerto Rico y el Caribe.
Universidad de Puerto Rico, Colegio Universitario de Humacao,
Humacao, PR. Pages 86-98.
27 Perez-Rivera, R. and J. Collazo. 1976. Aves en Puerto Rico
parasitadas por la larva de la mosca del genero Neomusca. Science
Ciencia 4(2):50-51.
28 Perez-Rivera, R. 1986. Personal observation. Department of
Biology, Humacao Univ. College, Humacao, PR 00661
29 Garrido, O. and F. Garcia-Montana. 1975. Catalogo de las Aves de
Cuba. Academia de Ciencias de Cuba, La Habana, Cuba. P. 64.
30 Dod, A. 1981. Guia de Campo para las Aves de la Republica
Dominicana. Editora Horizontes de America. Santo Domingo,
Republica Dominicana. P. 125.
31 Perez-Rivera, R. 1986. Unpublished data. Department of Biology,
Humacao Univ. College, Humacao, PR 00661
***** REFERENCES FOR N-OCCURRENCE NARRATIVE ONLY *****
01 Perez-Rivera, R. and J. Collazo. 1976. Distribucion geografica,
habites alimentarios y competencia por alimentos de la paloma
sabanera de Puerto Rico. Science Ciencia 3:52-55.
02 Perez-Rivera, R. 1977. El "status" de la paloma sabanera (Columba
inornata wetmorei) on Puerto Rico. Science Ciencia 5:39.
03 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1982. Puerto Rican Plain Pigeon
Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Atlanta, GA.
52 pp.
04 Perez-Rivera, R. 1981. Notas adicionales sobre la distribucion
geografica de la paloma sabanera (Columba inornata wetmorei) en
Puerto Rico. Science Ciencia 8:19-24.
05 Abbad y Lasierra, F.I. 1788. Historia geografica, civil y
politica de la isla de San Juan Bautista de Puerto Madrid.
06 Biaggi, V. 1983. Las Aves de Puerto Rico, 3ra ed. Editorial
Universitaria, Universidad de Puerto Rico. Pages 200-204.
References - 2 (DRAFT) - References
Species PIGEON, PLAIN, PUERTO RICAN
Species Id ESIS104007
Date 14 MAR 96
07 Gundlach, J.C. 1878. Neue Beitrag zur Ornithologie der Insel
Portorico. Jour. fur Ornithologie. Pages 157-194.
08 Bowdish, B.S. 1902. Birds of Porto Rico. Auk 19:356-366.
09 Bowdish, B.S. 1903. Birds of Porto Rico. Auk 20:193-195.
10 Wetmore, A. 1916. Birds of Porto Rico. U.S. Dept. of Agric.
Bull. No. 326. Page 55.
11 Wetmore, A. 1922. Bird remains from the caves of Porto Rico.
Bull. Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist. 46:297-333.
12 Wetmore, A. 1938. Bird remains from the West Indies, 2. Bird
remains from a kitchen midden on Puerto Rico. Auk 55:51-55.
13 Danforth, S. Los pajaros de Puerto Rico. Rand McNally and Co.,
New York. 181 pp.
14 Leopold, N. 1963. Checklist of birds of Puerto Rico and the
Virgin Islands. University of Puerto Rico Bull. No. 168. Pages
47-119.
References - 3