Skip to main content Skip to main navigation menu Skip to site footer
Type: Monograph
Published: 2007-06-25
Page range: 1–76
Abstract views: 205
PDF downloaded: 6

Reappraisal of the parrots (Aves: Psittacidae) from the Mascarene Islands, with comments on their ecology, morphology, and affinities

Bird Group, The Department of Zoology, Natural History Museum, Akeman St, Tring, Herts HP23 6AP Palaeobiology Research Group, Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Hants PO1 3QL
Aves Mascarene parrots extinction affinities morphology ecology biogeography Psittaculini Psittacula bensoni new comb

Abstract

The parrots (Psittacidae: Lophopsittacus, Psittacula, Necropsittacus, Mascarinus) of the Mascarenes (Mauritius, Réunion, Rodrigues) have been relatively poorly studied. Most analyses have been based on a few skins, insufficient fossil material, and unreliable contemporary accounts and illustrations, which have led to erroneous interpretations. The discovery of new fossil remains of parrots and new interpretations of contemporary descriptions and illustrations has clarified many issues. One problematic species, Lophopsittacus bensoni is here removed to the genus Psittacula. A detailed comparative analysis of fossil skeletal elements indicates that the affinities of the Mascarene parrots lie within the Psittaculini, a wide ranging tribe of parrots that occurs mainly in Southeast Asia and Australasia. The Mascarenes are remote volcanic islands and biogeographical evidence presented here suggests that parrots reached this isolated group by island-hopping from India, probably during low sea level stands.

References

  1. Anonymous. (1826) Verzeichnis ausländircher Thiere welche in dem königlichen Garten zu Nymphenburg am und den folgenden Tagen meistbietend verkauft warden, 4 pp.

    Alby, J., & Serviable, M (eds.) (1993) Abbé Alexandre-Gui Pingré: Courser Venus, voyage scientifique à Rodrigue en 1761. Ste.Clothilde, Réunion: Ars Terres Créoles & Rose-Hill, Mauritius: Editions Ocean Indien. 123pp.

    Arnold, E.N. (1979) Recently extinct reptile populations from Mauritius and Reunion, Indian Ocean. Journal of Zoology, London, 191, 33-–47.

    Arnold, E.N. (2000) Using fossils and phylogenies to understand evolution of reptile communities on islands. In: Rheinwald, G., (Ed.), Isolated vertebrate communities in the tropics. Proceedings of the 4th International Symposium, Bonn. Bonn Zoological Monographs, 46, 309–323.

    Barnwell, P.J. (1948) Visits and Despatches 15981948. Port Louis, Mauritius Standard Printing Establishment. 306 pp.

    Barré, N., Barau, A, & Jouanin, C. (1996) Oiseaux de la Réunion. Paris : Les Éditions de Pacifique. 208 pp.

    Baumel, J.J., & Witmer, L.M. (1993) Osteologia. In: Baumel, J.J., King, A.S., Breazile, J.E., Evans, H. E., Vanden Berge, J. C. (Eds.), Handbook of Avian Anatomy: Nomina Anatomica Avium, second edition. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA: Publications of the Nuttall Ornithological Club, 23, 45–132.

    Begin en de voortgangh van de Vereenighde Nederlandtsche Geoctroyeerde Oost-Indische Compagnie, vervattende de Voomaemste Reysen……Gedruckt in den jaere (1646).

    Berlioz, J. (1946) Oiseaux de la Réunion. Faune de l’Empire Français, 4. Paris Larose, 81 pp.

    Bock, W.J. (1974) The Avian Skeletomuscular System. In: Farner, D.S., King, J.R., Parkes, K.C. (Eds.), Avian Biology, Vol. IV, 144–164.

    Boddaert, (1783). Tables des Planches Enluminées d’histoire naturelle. Utrect: Boddaert. 58 pp.

    Bodde-Hodgkinson, C.B, & Geyl, P. (1929) Willem Ysbrantsz Bontekoe Memorable description of the East Indian Voyage 1618–25. London: George Routledge & Sons. 163 pp.

    Boles, W. E. (1993) A new cockatoo (Psittaciformes: Cacatuidae) from the Tertiary of Riversleigh, northwestern Queensland, and an evaluation of rostral characters in the systematics of parrots. Ibis, 135, 8–18.

    Bonaparte, C.L. (1854) Revue et Magasin de Zoologie Pure et Appliquée, p.154.

    Bontekoe, W.Y. (1646) Journal ofte Gedenckwaerdige beschrijvinghe vande Oost-Indische Reyse van Willem Ijbrantz Bontekoe van Hoorn. Hoorn: Jan Jansz Deutel, 60 pp.

    Bour, R. (1981) Histoire de la tortue terrestre de Bourbon. Bulletin de l'Académie de l'Ile de La Réunion, 25, 98–147.

    Brisson, M.J. (1760) Ornithologia. Vol. IV. Paris: J.-B. Bauche.

    Brothwell, D. R. (1987) The Bog Man and the Archaeology of People. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press, 128 pp.

    Buffon, G.L. LeClerc, Comte de. (1779) Histoire naturelle des oiseaux. Vol. VI. Paris: Imprimerie Royale.

    Bühler, P. (1981) Functional anatomy of the avian jaw apparatus. In King, A.S., & McLelland, J. (eds.), Form and function in birds volume 2: 439–468. London: Academic Press, 496 pp.

    Caldwell, J. (1875) Notes on the zoology of Rodriguez. Proceedings of the Zoological Society, London, [1875], 644–647.

    Campbell, B., & Lack, E. (1985) A Dictionary of Birds: 218–223; 654–656. Vermillion, S.D. Buteo Books. 352 pp.

    Carié, P. (1916) L’acclimatation à I’lle Maurice. Bulletin de la Société nationale d'Acclimatation, Paris, 63, 10–404.

    Cheke, A.S (1987) An ecological history of the Mascarene Islands, with special reference to extinctions and introductions of land vertebrates. In: Diamond, A. W. (Ed.), Studies of Mascarene Island birds. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 5–89.

    Cheke, A.S., & Dahl, J.F. (1981) The status of bats on western Indian Ocean islands, with special reference to Pteropus. Mammalia, 45 2, 205–238.

    Cheke, A.S., & Hume, J.P. (submitted) The lost land of the dodo. London: A&C. Black.

    Clark, G. (1866) Account of the late discovery of Dodos’ remains in the island of Mauritius. Ibis, (2)2, 141–6.

    Collar, N.J. (1997) Family Psittacidae (parrots). In: Del Hoyo, J., Elliot, A. & Sergatail, J. (eds.), Handbook of the birds of the world. Vol 4. Sandgrouse to Cuckoos. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona, 280–472.

    Coquerel, C. (1864) Catalogue des animaux qui se rencontrent à la Réunion: Oiseaux. Bulletin de la Société d'Acclimation et d'Histoire naturelle de l'Ile de La Réunion, 2(1), 7–27.

    Cossigny [Charpentier de Cossigny], J.F. (1732) Trieze letters de Cossigny á Reaumer [Lougnon 1939–40]. Recueil trimestriel de documents et travaux inédits pour servir á l’histoire des Mascareignes françaises, 4, 168–96,205–82, 305–16.

    Courtillot, V. (1999) Evolutionary Catastrophes. Cambridge Cambridge University Press, 173 pp.

    Cuvier, G. (1800) Leçons d’Anatomie Comapree….Paris, volume 1, end tbl.

    Cowles, G. (1987) The fossil record. In: Diamond, A. W. (Ed.) Studies of Mascarene Island birds. Cambridge Cambridge University Press, 90–100.

    Dance, S P. (1978). The Art of Natural History. London: Country Life Books, 224 pp.

    Daubenton, E.L. (1779) Histoire naturelles des oiseaux: 1008 planches enluminées, pl. 35.

    Daubenton, E.L. (1783). Planches Enluminées, p.13, pl.215

    Day, D. (1981) The doomsday book of animals. Ebury Press London, 288 pp.

    Diamond, A.W. (1984) Biogeography of Seychelles land birds. In: Stoddart, D.R. (Ed.), Biogeography and Ecology of the Seychelles Islands. Monographiae Biologicae 55 Dr. W.Junk Publishers, 487–511.

    Dubois. (1674) Les voyages faits par le sieur D.B. aux isles Dauphine ou Madagascar et Bourbon ou Macarenne, ès années 1669, 70, 71, et 72. Paris Claude Barbin, 234 pp.

    Dupon, J.F. (1973) Relation de l'isle Rodrigue. Texte attribué à Tafforet, circa 1726. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Arts & Science Mauritius, 4, 1–16.

    Feuilley. (1705) Mission à I’lle Bourbon du Sieur Feuilley en 1704. [Ed. A. Lougnon]. Recueil trimestriel de documents et travaux inédits pour servir à l’histoire des Mascareignes Françaises, 4, 3–56, 101–67 (1939).

    Finsch, O. (1868) Die Papageien: Monographisch bearbeitet. 2 volumes. Leiden, E. Brill.

    Florens, F.B.V. (2002) Osteological finds on Trois Mamelles mountain extends the known ecological range of the extinct endemic Mauritian tortoise Cylindraspis sp. Phelsuma, 10, 56–58.

    Forbes, W.A. (1879) On the systematic position and scientific name of “Le Perroquet mascarin” of Brisson. Ibis, 3(4), 303–307.

    Forshaw, J.M. (1989) Parrots of the world. Melbourne Landsdowne Editions, 672 pp.

    Fuller, E. (1987) Extinct birds. London & New York Rainbow Penguin, 256 pp.

    Fuller, E. (2001) Extinct birds. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 398 pp.

    Garrod, A.H. (1874) On some points in the anatomy of parrots which bear on the classification of the suborder. Proceedings of the Zoological Society, London, 1874, 624–644.

    Glenny, F.H. (1957) A revised classification of the Psittaciformes based on the carotid artery arrangement patterns. Annales of Zoology, Agra, 2, 47–56.

    Gmelin, J.F. (1788) Systema Naturae, volume I, p.321.

    Granaet (1666) (see Barnwell 1948)

    Grandidier, A., & Grandidier, G. (1905) Ouvrages ou extraits d’ouvrages anglais, hollandaise, portugais, espagnols et allemands, relatifs à anciens Madagascar (1640 à 1716). In: Grandidier, A., de Institut, Charles-roux, Delhorbe, C., Froidevaux, H., & Grandidier, G. (Eds.), Collection des Ouvrages anciens concernant Madagascar. Paris: Comité de Madagascar, tome III, 368–380.

    Grant, C. (1801) The History of Mauritius or the Isle of France and the neighbouring islands from their first discovery to the present time, composed principally from the papers and memoirs of Baron Grant,…., by his son Charles Grant, Viscount de Vaux. London W. Bulmer & Co, 571 pp.

    Gray, G.R. (1846) Genera of Birds, volume II, p.409.

    Gray, G.R. (1859) List of the specimens of birds in the collection of the British Museum, London. Psittaciformes, p 20.

    Gray, G.R. (1870) Hand-List of genera and species of birds, vol.ii, pl.159, n. 8262.

    Greenway, J.C. (1967) Extinct and vanishing birds of the world. 2nd edn. New York Dover, 520 pp.

    Groombridge, J.J., Jones, C.J., Nichols, M.C., & Bruford, M.W. (2004) Molecular phylogeny and morphological change in the Psittacula parakeets. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 31, 96–108.

    Hachisuka, M. (1953) The dodo and kindred birds, or the extinct birds of the Mascarene Islands. London H. F. & G. Witherby, 250 pp.

    Hahn. C.W. (1834) 1834–41. Ornitologische Atlas oder naturgetreue Abbildung und Beschreibung der aussereuropäischen Vögel. Erste Abteilung: Papagaien. Nurnberg, C.H.Zeh'sche Buchhandlung, 54.

    Haq, B.U., Hardenbol, J., & Vail, P.R. (1987) Chronology of fluctuating sea levels since the Triassic. Science, 235, 1156–1167.

    Herman, J. (1804) Observationes zoologicaequibus novae complures aliaeque Animalium species decscribuntur et illustrantur. Opus posthumun edidut F.L. Hammer. Argentorati & Parisiis, p.125.

    Het Tweede Boeck. (1601) Journal oft Dagh-register / inhoudende een warachtig verhael ende historische vertellinghe van de Reyse / gedaen door de acht schepen van Amstelredame / gheseylt in den Maert Martij 1598 onder ‘t beleydt van den Admirael Jacob Cornelisz. Neck ende Wybrandt van Warwijck als vice admirael –van hare zeylagie ende gedenwaerdighe zaken ende geschiedenissen haer op de voortz-reys bejeghent. Ghedruct tot Amstelredam by Cornelis Claesz. Opt Water in ‘t Schrijf-boeck. Amsterdam.

    Hoffman, J.C. (1680). (See Grandidier & Grandidier 1905).

    Holyoak, D. (1971) Comments on the extinct parrot Lophopsittacus mauritianus. Ardea, 59, 50–1.

    Holyoak, D. T. (1973a) An undescribed parrot from Mauritius. Ibis, 115, 417–18.

    Holyoak, D.T. (1973b) Comments on taxonomy and relationships in the parrot subfamilies Nestorinae, Loriinae and Platycercinae. Emu, 73, 157–176.

    Homberger, D.G. (1980) Funktionell-Morphologische untersuchungen zur Radiation der Ernährunge und Trinkmethodon der Papageien (Psittaci). Bonner Zoologische Monographien 13. 192 pp.

    Homberger, D.G. (1981) Functional morphology and evolution of the feeding apparatus in parrots, with special reference to the Pesquet’s parrot, Psittrichas fulgidus (Lesson). In: Conservation of New World parrots. Proceedings of the ICBP Parrot Working Group Meeting St. Lucia, 1980, 471–485.

    Homberger, D.G. (1986) The lingual apparatus of the African Grey parrot, Psittacus erithacus Linné (Aves: Psittacidae): description and theoretical mechanical analysis. Ornithological Monographs No. 39. 233 pp.

    Homberger, D.G., & Ziswiler, V. (1972) Funktionell-morphologische Untersuchungen and Schnabel von Papageien. Revue Suisse de Zoologie, 79, 1038–1048.

    Hume, J.P. (1996) The parrots of the Mascarenes. PsittaScene, 8 (1), 10–11.

    Hume, J.P. (2000) Notes on the extinct Kosrae starling Aplonis corvina Kittlitz, 1833. Ibis, 122 (2), 141–154.

    Hume, J.P. (2003) The journal of the flagship Gelderland – dodo and other birds on Mauritius 1601. Archives of Natural History 30 (1), 13–27.

    Hume, J.P. (2004). The mystery of the Mascarene parrot. Bulletin of the British Ornithological Club, 124 (3), 159.

    Hume, J. P. (2005) Contrasting taphofacies in ocean island settings: the fossil record of Mascarene vertebrates. Monografies de la Societat d’Història Natural de les Balears 12: 129–144.

    Hume, J.P., & Cheke, A.S. (2004) The white dodo of Réunion Island: unravelling a scientific and historical myth. Archives of Natural History, 31(1), 57–79.

    Hume, J.P., & Prys-Jones, R.P. (2005) New discoveries from old sources, with reference to the original bird and mammal fauna of the Mascarene Islands, Indian Ocean. Zoologische Mededelingen, Leiden, 79–3 (8), 85–95.

    Jackson. C. (1999). Dictionary of bird artists of the world. Woodbridge, Suffolk (UK): Antique Collectors Club, 550 pp.

    Jobling, J.A. (1991) A Dictionary of Scientific Names. Oxford, Oxford University Press, 272 pp.

    Johnson, K.P., Kort, S.D., Dinwoodey., Mateman, A.C., Cate, C.T., Lessells, C.M., & Clayton, D.H. (2001) A molecular phylogeny of the Dove genera Streptopelia and Columba. The Auk, 118 (4), 874–887.

    Jones, C. (1987). The larger land-birds of Mauritius. In: Diamond, A. W (Ed.), Studies of Mascarene Island birds. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 208–300.

    Jones, C.G. (1999) Listening to echos and searching for ghosts. Parrot Conservation on Mauritius. PsittaScene 11 (3): 10–11.

    Jones, C. G., & Owadally, A.W. (1988) The life histories and conservation of the Mauritius kestrel Falco punctatus, pink pigeon Columba mayeri and echo parakeet Psittacula eques. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Arts & Science, Mauritius, 5, 79–129.

    Juniper, T., & Parr, M. (1998) Parrots. A guide to the parrots of the world, East Sussex Pica Press, 584 pp.

    Kerkloven, S van den. (1663) Historisch verhael der wonderlike ende seer zeldsame voorvallen, den gene bejegent die met het retour-ship Aernhem van Batavia na het vaderland verreist zijn……4° Middleburgh.

    Koenig, P. (1932) Actes et Comptes-Rendus de la Société Royale des Arts et Des Sciences de I’lle Maurice. In: Centenaire de la Société Royale des Arts et des Sciences de I’lle Maurice 18291929, 79–84.

    Kuhl, H. (1820) Conspectus Psittacorum cum specierum definititionibus novarum descriptionibus, Bonn, p.92.

    Latham, J. (1781) A General synopsis of Birds, volume I, p.265, n.72.

    Latham, J. (1822) A General History of Birds, volume II, p161.

    Leguat, F. (1708) Voyage et avantures de François Leguat et de ses compagnons en deux isles désertes des Indes Orientales. 2 vols. Amsterdam J.L.de Lorme.

    Lesson, R.P. (1831) Traité d’ornithologie 8 Livres. Paris: F.G. Levrault. 659 pp.

    Linnaeus, C. (1758) Systema Naturae Tenth edition. Holmiae [Stockholm]: Laurentius Salvius. 823 pp.

    Linnaeus, C. (1766) Systema Naturae per regna Ttria naturae secundum classes ordines genera, species Editio duodecima reformata. (First volume). Holmiae [Stockhom]. 3 volumes (in 4).

    Linnaeus, C. (1771) Mantissa Planatarum altera Generum editionis VI et Specierum Editions II; Regni animalis appendix, 144–588.

    Levaillant. (1805) Histoire naturelle des perroquets. Vol 2. Paris Levrault.

    Livezey, B.C. (1992) Morphological Corollaries and Ecological Implications of Flightlessness in the Kakapo (Psittaciformes: Strigops habroptilus). Journal of Morphology, 213, 105–145.

    Lougnon, A. (1992) Sous le signe de la tortue; Voyages anciens à I’lle Bourbon (16111725). Fourth Edition. Saint-Denis, La Réunion Azalées Editions, 285 pp.

    Low, R. (1994) Endangered Parrots. Poole, Blanford Press, 191 pp.

    Mack, L., & Wright, D.D. (1996) Notes on occurrence and feeding of birds at Crater Mountain Biological Research Station, Papua New Guinea. Emu, 96, 89–101.

    Martinet. F.N. (1787) Histoire des Oiseaux, peint dans tous leurs Aspects Vol 1. Les Perroquets. Paris.

    Mauduyt, P.J.E. (1784) Histoire naturelle des oiseaux. Encyclopédie Méthodique, vol. 1 & vol. 2. Paris & Liège Panckoucke & Plomteux.

    McDougall, I., Upton, E.G.J., & Wadsworth, W.J. (1965) A geological reconnaissance of Rodriguez Island, Indian Ocean. Nature, 207, 252–253.

    Meinertzhagen, R. (1912) On the birds of Mauritius. Ibis (9)6, 82–108.

    Merton, D. V. (1985) Kakapo. In: Robertson, C.J.R. (Ed.), Reader’s Digest complete book of New Zealand Birds. Australia Reader’s Digest Service, 242–243.

    Milne-Edwards, A. (1866) Observations sur les caractéres ostéologiques des principaux groupes de Psittacides. Annales des Sciences naturelles (Zoologie), (5)6, 92–111.

    Milne-Edwards, A. (1867) Un Psittacien fossile de I’ile Rodrigues. Annales des Sciences naturelles (Zoologie), (5)8, 145–156.

    Milne-Edwards, A. (1874 [1873]) Recherches sur la faune ancienne des Iles Mascareignes. Annales des Sciences Naturelles (Zoologie), (5) 19, Art. 3.

    Milne-Edwards, A. & Oustalet, E. (1893) Notice sur quelques espéces d’oiseaux actuellement éteintes qui se trouvent représentées dans les collections du Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle. In: Centenaire de la fondation du Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle,. Paris Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle, 190–252.

    Moorehouse, R.J., Sibley, M.J., Lloyd, B.D., & Greene, T.C. (1999) Sexual dimorphism in the North Island Kaka Nestor meridionalis septentrionalis: selection for enhanced male provisioning ability? Ibis 141, 644–651.

    Moree, P. (1998) A concise history of Dutch Mauritius, 15981710. London and New York, Kegan Paul International, 127 pp.

    Mourer-Chauviré, C., Bour, R., Ribes, S., & Moutou, F. (1999) The Avifauna of Réunion Island (Mascarene Islands) at the Time of the Arrival of the First Europeans. In: Olson, S. (Ed.), Avian Paleontology at the Close of the 20th Century: Proceedings of the 4th International Meeting of the Society of Avian Paleontology and Evolution, Washington, D.C., 4–7 June 1996, 1–38.

    Mundy, Peter. (1608–67 [1914]) The Travels of Peter Mundy in Europe and Asia. [Published in 5 vol., 1905–36, ed. R.C.Temple, London, Hakluyt Society].

    Nemésio, A. (2001) A. Colour production and evolution in parrots. International Journal of Ornithology, 4(2), 75–102.

    Newton, E. (1867) On the Land-Birds of the Seychelles Archipelago. Ibis, 111, 335–360.

    Newton, A. (1872) On an undescribed bird from the Island of Rodrigues. Ibis, II. series. 3, 31–43.

    Newton, A. (1875a) Exhibition of and remarks upon tracings of some unpublished sketches of the dodo and other extinct birds of Mauritius. Proceedings of the Zoological Society, London 1875:350.

    Newton, A. (1875b) Birds recently extirpated. In: Encyclopedia Britannica III: 732, figs. 44, 46.

    Newton, A., & Newton, E. (1876) On the Psittaci of the Mascarene Islands. Ibis, series. 3, 6, 281–9.

    Newton, E., & Gadow, H. (1893) On additional Bones of the Dodo and other Extinct Birds of Mauritius obtained by Mr. Théodore Sauzier. Transactions of the Zoological Society London, XIII, 281–302.

    Newton, A., & Gadow, H. (1896) A dictionary of birds. London A. & C. Black, 1088 pp.

    Nieuhoff, John. (1682) [as John Nieuhoff's voyages, in Churchill's voyages and travels, 2nd.ed.1752, vol.2.] London: Thomas Osborne, 1–305. [reprinted 1988, Singapore: Oxford University Press. 326pp., & 2001, as Voyages and travels into Brasil and the East Indies, New Delhi: Asian Educational Services, viii+370pp.]

    North-Coombes, A. (1971) The Island of Rodrigues. Mauritius, The Standard Printing Establishment, 338 pp.

    Oustalet, E. (1897) Notice sur la faune ornithologique ancienne et moderne des Iles Mascareignes et en particulier de I’lle Maurice. Annales des Sciences naturelles (Zoologie), (8)3, 1–128.

    Owen, M. R. (1866a) Evidence of a species, perhaps extinct, of a large parrot (Psittacus mauritianus, Owen), contemporary with the dodo in the island of Mauritius. Ibis, (2)2, 168–71.

    Owen, M.R. (1866b) Note sur les preuves de l’existence d’un grand perroquet don’t l’espece set peut-être éteinte (Psittacus mauritianus, Owen) mais qui était contemporain du dodo a I’ile Maurice. Annales de Science Naturelle (Zoology), (5)6, 88 –90.

    Owen, M.R. (1869) On the osteology of the dodo (Didus ineptus Linń.). Transactions of the Zoological Society (London), 6: 49–86.

    Payandee, S. (2002) The Dutch Odyssey Encounter with Mauritius. Mauritius: Mahatma Gandi Institute, 94 pp.

    Pelzeln, A. von. (1873) On the birds in the Imperial Collection at Vienna obtained from the Leverian Museum. Ibis, 3, 32.

    Peters, J. L. (1937) Check-list of the Birds of the World (III). Cambridge Masschusetts: Museum of Comparative Zoology. 311 pp.

    Pingré, Abbé. (1761 [Anonymous 1993]) Courser Venus Voyage Scientifique á I’lle Rodrigue 1761. Collection Mascarin, Editions de l'Océan Indien, 123 pp.

    Plummer, P.S., & Belle, E.R. (1995) Mesozoic tecto-stratigraphic evolution of the Seychelles microcontinent. Sedimentary Geology, 96: 73–91.

    Prys-Jones, R.P., & Diamond, A.W. (1984) Ecology of the land birds on the granitic and coralline islands of the Seychelles, with particular reference to Cousin Island and Aldabra Atoll. In: Stoddart, D.R. (Ed.), Biogeography and Ecology of the Seychelles Islands. Monographiae Biologicae 55 Dr. W.Junk Publishers, 529–558.

    Ray, J. (1678) The ornithology of Francis Willoughby ... wherein all the birds hitherto known ... are accurately described. London: John Martin. 3 vols in 1.

    Rivals, P. (1989) Histoire géologique de I’île de la Réunion. Réunion, Azalées Éditions, 400 pp.

    Rohling, E.J., Fenton, M., Jorissen, F.J., Bertrand, P., Ganssen, G., & Caulet, J.P. (1998) Magnitudes of sea level lowstands of the past 500,000 years. Nature, 394, 162–165.

    Rothschild, W. (1907a [for 1905]) On extinct and vanishing birds. Ornis 14 (Proceedings of the 4th International Ornithological Congress, London), 191–217.

    Rothschild, W. (1907b) Extinct birds. London, Hutchinson, 244 pp.

    Saddul, P. (1995) Mauritius A Geomorphological Analysis. Geography of Mauritius Series, Mahatma Gandhi Institute, 340 pp.

    Salvadori, T. (1891) Catalogue of the Psittaci, or parrots, in the collection of the British Museum Catalogue of the birds in the British Museum Vol. XX. London British Museum (Natural History).

    Sassi, M. (1940) Die wertvollsten Stücke der Wiener Vogelsammlung. Annales auf der Naturhistorische Musuen Wien, 50, 395–409.

    Schifter, H. (1994) Historical specimens of parrots in the bird collection of the Museum of Natural History, Vienna, Austria. In: III International Loro Parque Parrot Convention, Loro Parque 14th to 17th September 1994. Puerto de la Cruz-Tenerife-Spain, 34–48.

    Schlegel, H. (1864) De Dierentuu, p.71.

    Selander, R.K. (1972) Sexual selection and dimorphism in birds. In: Campbell, B. (Ed.), Sexual selection and the descent of man 18711971. Chicago Aldine Publishers 180–230.

    Shapiro, B., Sibthorpe, D., Rambaut, A., Austin, J., Wragg, G.M., Bininda-Emonds, O.R.P., Lee, P.L.M., & Cooper, A. (2002) Flight of the Dodo. Science, 295, 1683.

    Shine, R. (1989) Ecological causes for the evolution of sexual dimorphism: A review of the evidence. Quarterly Revue Biology, (64) 4, 419–461.

    Slater, H.H. (1879a) Reports on the proceedings of the naturalists. 2. Report of Henry H. Slater, Esq., B.A. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society, London, 168, 294–5.

    Slater, H.H. (1879b) Observations on the bone caves of Rodrigues. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society, London, 168, 420–2.

    Smith, G. A. (1975) Systematics of parrots. Ibis, 117, 18–68.

    Smith, G.A. (1979) Lovebirds and related parrots. London, Paul Elek. 180pp.

    Soete-boom, H. (1648) ‘Derde voomaemste Zeegetogt (der verbondene vrije Nederlanden) na de Oost-Indien: gedaan met de Achinsche en Moluksche vloten, onder de Ammiralen Jacob Heemskerk en Wolfert Harmansz. In de jare 1601, 1602, 1603. Enz. Getrocken uit de naarstige aanteekeningen van Willem van West-Zanen, Schipper op de Bruin-Vis…en met eenige noodige bijvoegselen vermeerdert, door Amsterdam.

    Souancé, D de. (1856) Revue et Magasin du Zoologie Pure et Appliquée, p.185.

    Staub, F. (1993) Fauna of Mauritius and associated flora. Mauritius Précigraph Ltd, 97 pp.

    Steadman, W. D. (2006) Extinction & Biogeography of Tropical Pacific Birds. Chicago & London: The University of Chicago Press. 594 pp.367.

    Strahm, W. (1989) Plant Red Data book for Rodrigues. Konigstein/West Germany: Koeltz Scientific Books, 241 pp.

    Strickland, H. E. & Melville, A.G. (1848) The dodo and its kindred. London, Reeve, Benham & Reeve, 141 pp.

    Tafforet. (1726) See Dupon 1973.

    Thorsen, M., & Jones, C. (1998) The conservation and status of Echo Parakeet Psittacula eques of Mauritius. Bulletin of the African Bird Club, 5 (2), 122–126.

    Toussaint, A. (1972) Histoire des Iles Mascareignes. Paris, Berger-Levrault, 345 pp.

    Trivers, R. (1972) Parental investment and sexual selection. In: Campbell, B (Ed.), Sexual Selection and the Descent of Man 1871–1971. Chicago: Aldine, 180–230.

    Viellot, L.P. (1823) Encyclopédie Méthodique, volume iii, p.1385.

    Vigors, N.A. (1825) Zoological Journal, volume II, p.51.

    Vinson, A. (1868) De l'acclimatation à l'´le de la Réunion. Bulletin de la Société Impériale de Zoologie et d'Acclimatation, Paris, (2)5, 579–638.

    Vlasblom, A.G. (1953) The lower jaw of the parrots (Psittaciformes) In relation to the architecture of the skull I & II. Proceedings Series C, Koninklijke Nederlandse Akademie van Wetenschappen, Vol LVI (4), 486–507.

    Wagler, J.G. (1832 [1835]) Monographia Psittacorum. Abhandlungen der mathematisch-physikalischen classe der Königlich Bayerischen Akademie der Wissenschaften, München. 469–750. 288 pp.

    Yamashita, C., & Valle, M.P. (1993) On the linkage between Anodorhynchus macaws and palm nuts, and the extinction of the Glaucous Macaw. Bulletin of the British Ornithological Club, 113, 53–60.

    Yamashita, C. (1997) Anodorhynchus macaws as followers of extinct megafauna: an hypothesis. Ararajuba, 5 (2), 176–182.