Food

The diet of the Comoro Olive Pigeon (Columba pollenii) primarily consists of a variety of plant materials, including fruits, seeds, and foliage, reflecting its herbivorous nature. Fruits are a staple food source for these pigeons, and they consume a diverse array of fruits found within their forest habitat. This includes both native fruit-bearing trees and shrubs, as well as cultivated fruits such as bananas, guavas, and mangoes.

Seeds also constitute an important component of the Comoro Olive Pigeon's diet, particularly during periods when fruits are less abundant. They feed on seeds from a variety of plant species, utilizing their stout bills to crack open seed coats and access the nutritious kernel inside. Seeds from native trees and shrubs, as well as agricultural crops such as maize and rice, may be consumed opportunistically.

In addition to fruits and seeds, Comoro Olive Pigeons may also consume other plant materials such as leaves, flowers, and buds. While these items may not form a significant portion of their diet compared to fruits and seeds, they provide additional nutrients and dietary diversity. Consumption of plant foliage and flowers may increase during periods when fruits are scarce or during specific stages of plant phenology.

The foraging behavior of Comoro Olive Pigeons is characterized by systematic searching and pecking, with individuals moving through the canopy in search of food. They may feed both in trees and on the ground, depending on the availability of food sources and environmental conditions. Their ability to exploit a wide range of plant materials allows them to adapt to fluctuations in food availability throughout the year.

The seasonal availability of fruits and seeds influences the feeding behavior and movements of Comoro Olive Pigeons. During the rainy season, when fruits are abundant, these pigeons may concentrate their foraging efforts in areas with high fruit productivity, such as fruiting trees and cultivated orchards. In contrast, during the dry season, they may rely more heavily on seeds and other plant materials as fruit availability declines.

Comoro Olive Pigeons play an important ecological role as seed dispersers within their forest habitat. By consuming fruits and seeds and later depositing them in their droppings, they help disperse seeds over large distances, contributing to the regeneration and diversity of plant communities. This mutualistic relationship benefits both the pigeons, which obtain food resources, and the plants, which benefit from seed dispersal.

Loss of native forest habitats and conversion of land for agriculture may reduce the abundance and diversity of fruit-bearing trees and shrubs, limiting food availability for these pigeons. Conservation efforts aimed at preserving forest habitats and promoting sustainable land use are essential for ensuring the availability of food resources for Comoro Olive Pigeons and other wildlife species.

Overall, the diet of the Comoro Olive Pigeon reflects its adaptation to its forest habitat and reliance on plant materials for sustenance. By consuming a variety of fruits, seeds, and other plant materials, these pigeons play a vital role in ecosystem functioning and contribute to the maintenance of biodiversity within their native range.