Henderson Island Imperial-Pigeon (Ducula harrisoni)

This species was described in 2006, it is known from subfossil remains recovered from Henderson Island, Pitcairn Islands, which originally were thought to originate from two different species.

The Henderson Island Imperial-Pigeon was larger than all living members of its genus, it had enlarged leg- and reduced wing elements, so was on its way to become flightless.

The species was apparently among the first birds from Henderson Island to become extinct due to hunting by Polynesian settlers.

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edited: 14.05.2019