It was only slightly smaller than the dodo (Raphus cucullatus) and Rodrigues solitaire (Pezophaps solitaria) and is the first giant flightless pigeon to be discovered on a Pacific island.

Remains of this species were discovered in Quaternary (probably Holocene) Cave deposits in October 1998 and November 1999.

[1] The holotype is in the collection of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.

[2] It is known from the holotype tarsometatarsus and paratypes including various parts of the wings and legs.

[1] The specific name reflects both the large size of this fossil species and its proposed affinities to the crowned pigeons of genus Goura.