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Dodo

The dodo was an extinct flightless bird endemic to Mauritius in the Indian Ocean.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The dodo was an extinct flightless bird endemic to the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. It was a large, ground-dwelling relative of pigeons and doves, and it became a well-known symbol of extinction after disappearing in the 17th century.

Description

The dodo was a large, flightless bird related to pigeons and doves. Sources describe it as roughly 70 centimetres tall and around 12 kilograms, though estimates vary.

Habitat and range

The species lived only on Mauritius. It occupied coastal zones, lowlands, mountains, and both dry and wet forest habitats.

Diet

Evidence suggests the dodo ate fallen fruits and seeds, and possibly other plant material. A large gizzard stone found with remains supports this interpretation.

Extinction

The dodo disappeared after human arrival on Mauritius. Hunting, habitat loss, and introduced animals such as pigs, rats, and cats contributed to its decline and extinction.

Historical significance

The dodo became a lasting symbol of extinction and human-driven ecological change. It is one of the best-known extinct birds in popular culture and natural history.

Key facts

  • The dodo was endemic to Mauritius and was not naturally found anywhere else.
  • It was a flightless bird with a large body and small wings.
  • The dodo lived in forested habitats, including coastal and inland areas.
  • Humans and introduced animals were the main causes of its extinction.
  • The species is generally considered extinct by the late 1600s.
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Canadian context

The dodo is widely used in Canadian education, museums, and conservation discussions as an example of extinction caused by human activity.

Frequently asked questions

What is a dodo bird?
A dodo bird was an extinct flightless bird that lived only on Mauritius and was related to pigeons and doves.
Why did the dodo go extinct?
It went extinct because of hunting, habitat loss, and introduced animals brought by humans, which affected nests, eggs, and food resources.
When did the dodo go extinct?
The dodo was extinct by 1681, although some sources note uncertainty about the exact last date.
Where did the dodo live?
It lived on the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean, especially in coastal areas, lowlands, mountains, and forested habitats.
How big was the dodo?
It was about 70 centimetres tall and probably weighed around 12 kilograms, though estimates vary across sources.
What did the dodo eat?
It likely ate fallen fruits and seeds, and may also have consumed other plant material such as roots or bulbs.

References

  1. Natural History Museum — https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/the-dodo-bird-the-real-facts-about-this-icon-of-extinction.html
    Supports: Flightless bird; Mauritius range; habitat; approximate size; diet inferred from gizzard stone; extinction context.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/dodo-extinct-bird
    Supports: Scientific identity; Mauritius range; human-caused extermination; extinction by 1681.
  3. Discover Wildlife — https://www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/facts-about-dodos
    Supports: Mauritius range; last confirmed sighting in 1662; extinction estimate around 1690; invasive species impacts.
  4. American Museum of Natural History — https://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/permanent/biodiversity/dodo-bird
    Supports: Extinction causes including deforestation, hunting, and introduced animals.
  5. PBS — https://www.pbs.org/odyssey/odyssey/20031119_log_transcript.html
    Supports: Diet of fallen fruit and use of hooked beak.