The Tanna ground dove, also known as Forster's dove of Tanna, is an extinct dove species. Its taxonomic affiliation is uncertain but at its first scientific discussion by Johann Georg Wagler in 1829 it was classified into the genus Gallicolumba ; its closest relative is possibly the Santa Cruz ground dove. It was endemic to the Pacific island of Tanna, Vanuatu. Forster records a native name mahk, almost certainly from the Kwamera language.
Region
Southwest Pacific
Typical Environment
Historically restricted to the island of Tanna in southern Vanuatu. It likely inhabited lowland to foothill evergreen forests, forest edges, and secondary growth where it foraged on the ground. The species probably frequented areas with dense understory, fallen fruits, and leaf litter. Roosting would have been in low branches or dense shrubs to avoid ground predators. Human-altered habitats may have been used opportunistically but likely increased exposure to hunting and introduced animals.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Tanna ground dove, also called Forster’s dove of Tanna, is known from 18th‑century observations and illustrations and is now extinct. Its exact placement within Pacific ground-doves has been debated, but it is often aligned near the Santa Cruz ground dove. It was likely driven to extinction by a combination of hunting and introduced predators following European contact. The local Kwamera name recorded by Forster was “mahk.”
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Probably occurred singly or in pairs, typical of ground-doves in dense forest. Nests were likely placed low in shrubs or small trees, with a simple platform of twigs. As with related species, clutches were probably two eggs. Both parents likely shared incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, low series of coos delivered from a concealed perch or the forest floor. Calls likely included short, repeated notes used for mate contact and territorial spacing.
Plumage
Ground-dove with compact build and mostly earthy brown to rufous plumage, showing subtle scaling on the breast and mantle. Likely a paler throat and belly with darker wings and tail. Feathers appeared soft with a slight sheen on the head and neck.
Diet
Foraged primarily on fallen fruits and seeds on the forest floor. Likely supplemented diet with small invertebrates such as insects and snails. Opportunistic feeding at forest edges and in secondary growth would have provided additional seeds and berries. Grit or small pebbles were probably ingested to aid digestion, as in other doves.
Preferred Environment
Shady leaf-littered areas under dense understory and along forest trails. Also foraged at the edges of clearings and near fruiting shrubs.
