For the first time since 1882, the black-necked pheasant pigeon has appeared in Papua New Guinea! Three researchers spent a month searching for the bird on Fergusson Island in September. The investigators were almost planning to go home when they suddenly received a tip from a local resident.

After getting the tip, the researchers went back to the highest mountain on the island to continue the search. They installed no less than 20 cameras there and it was a success! This is the first image of this rare bird species since 1882. One of the expedition leaders John Mittermeier said it felt like "finding a unicorn".

The bird has been around since the late 19^e century considered extinct. Therefore, very little is known about the bird species. The researchers hope to learn more and more information to protect the pheasant pigeons!


What is the pheasant pigeon?

The pheasant pigeon is a bird in the family Columbidae (pigeons). This name was published in 1870 by a British ornithologist John Gould. The Pheasant Pigeon is 42 to 50 cm long and has a weight of about 50 grams. This pigeon species is the only one with a fairly long, laterally flattened tail and long, slender legs. This makes it look a bit like a chicken. The name pheasant pigeon occurs because the head, chest, belly and tail are very dark. The bill is in most cases bright red and its legs yellow to salmon pink.