Scientists from the American Bird Conservancy have rediscovered a rare pheasant pigeon that has not been documented for nearly 140 years.
Researchers installed camera traps on Fergusson Island, Papua New Guinea, with the results showing the rare black-naped pheasant-pigeon strutting in the images.
According to the American Bird Conservancy, the pheasant-pigeon is “a large, ground-dwelling pigeon” with a “broad and laterally compressed tail” and only lives on the island off the east coast of Papua New Guinea.
The photos and videos of the bird are the first time it has been scientifically documented since 1882.
Seeing the images was like “finding a unicorn,” said John C. Mittermeier, Director of the Lost Birds program at the American Bird Conservancy and co-leader of the expedition. “It is the kind of moment you dream about your entire life as a conservationist and birdwatcher,” he added
