Digital reconstruction of Rodrigues Solitaire (Pezophaps solitaria) (Aves: Columbidae) physical appearance based on early descriptive observation and other evidence

Abstract

Rodrigues Solitaire (Pezophapssolitaria) is an extinct (eighteenth century) flightless bird endemic to Rodrigues Island (Mascarene Islands) and a sister taxon of iconic extinct Mauritian Dodo (Raphuscucullatus) (Columbiformes, Raphinae). Although numerous sub-fossilised bones have been recovered, no soft-tissue samples or taxidermically prepared specimens of Pezophaps solitaria are known to exist. The objective of this study was to produce accurate detailed digital reconstructions of Pezophapssolitaria based on early descriptions, contemporary and post-contemporary paintings, academic literature and images of mounted skeletons. Reconstructed images of Pezophaps solitaria generated illustrate the use of an established approach to visualise the appearance of this bird just before human influence and extinction. Digital simulation of photographic quality of males, females, juveniles and eggs of Pezophaps solitaria was obtained for the first time in this study. Inferred plumage crypsis in the Solitaire can be suggested to be superfluous in that their habitat was free of predators. There were a relatively large number of birds seen on the island by contemporary visitors, and thus it can be suggested cryptic colouration might be part of an adaptive strategy for intraspecific competition.