The dodo, an extinct flightless bird, has become a widely recognized symbol of species loss. This unique creature was native exclusively to the island of Mauritius, located in the Indian Ocean. Dutch sailors first documented the dodo in 1598, marking the beginning of its recorded history. The bird’s isolation on Mauritius, without significant natural predators, allowed it to evolve distinct characteristics before human arrival.
Dodo Dimensions: Height and Weight
Estimates for the dodo’s height generally range from about 62.6 to 75 centimeters (approximately 2.05 to 2.46 feet), though some accounts suggest it could reach up to 1 meter (3 feet 3 inches) tall. These measurements are derived from subfossil remains and historical descriptions, offering insights into its stature.
Wild dodo weight typically varied between 10.6 and 17.5 kilograms (23 to 39 pounds). Some studies propose a range of 13 to 20 kilograms (28 to 45 pounds). Earlier estimates, based on captive birds, sometimes suggested higher weights, but these figures were likely influenced by overfeeding in captivity, as wild dodos were more streamlined. More recent analyses, using techniques like CT scans, indicate average live masses possibly between 10.6 and 14.3 kilograms (23 to 32 pounds). Males were generally larger than females and possessed proportionally longer beaks, indicating sexual dimorphism.
Their Distinctive Build
The dodo’s physical appearance was shaped by its unique island environment. It was a flightless bird, possessing small, underdeveloped wings that were incapable of lifting its body off the ground. The lack of predators on Mauritius meant the dodo had no need for flight, leading to this evolutionary adaptation.
Its body was often described as plump, though modern interpretations suggest wild dodos were more athletic and less cumbersome than commonly portrayed in older illustrations. These historical depictions may have been influenced by captive birds that were likely overfed. A prominent feature was its large head, adorned with a substantial, hooked beak that could measure up to 23 centimeters (9 inches) in length. The beak displayed a mix of green, black, and yellow coloration.
The dodo had stout, yellowish legs with black claws, which were robust enough to support its weight and enable relatively fast movement across the island’s terrain. Its plumage was generally brownish-grey, with lighter feathers on its small wings and a distinctive tuft of curly, light-colored feathers on its rear. The head was typically grey and lacked feathers. Despite its unique form, the dodo was a relative of pigeons and doves, belonging to the Columbidae family.