Socorro Dove Natural History
Habitat and Distribution
The Socorro dove’s natural habitat is thick shrubland on the island of Socorro off the west coast of Mexico.
Diet
These birds prefer to eat fruits but will also eat insects and seeds.
Threats
The Socorro dove is listed by the IUCN as extinct in the wild the the last one recorded in 1972. The remaining 200 individuals of this species are only found in captivity within a handful of collections worldwide. Their largest threat came from invasive species introduced by people to their isolated island populations. It is hoped that captive individuals can be bred from released one day in the future when the invasive species have been managed.
Interesting Facts
They are cinnamon coloured with iridescent pink feathers.
The Socorro Doves During Your Day Out in Kent
We are currently home to two Socorro Doves who joined us in 2026. The male and female pair can be visited in our Tropical House which is also home to Vietnam Pheasants, Rainbow Lorikeets and Orange-headed Thrushes.