Little is known of the behaviour of the dodo, as most contemporary descriptions are very brief.
Based on weight estimates, it has been suggested the male could reach the age of 21, and the female 17.
Studies of the cantilever strength of its leg bones indicate that it could run quite fast.
Unlike the Rodrigues solitaire, there is no evidence that the dodo used its wings in intraspecific combat.
Though some dodo bones have been found with healed fractures, it had weak pectoral muscles and more reduced wings in comparison.
The dodo may instead have used its large, hooked beak in territorial disputes.
Since Mauritius received more rain and had a more stable climate than Rodrigues, there was probably less need for male dodos to fight over territory.
The solitaire was therefore probably the more aggressive of the two.

Observations of the Rodrigues solitaire in life indicate that they were highly territorial.
They presumably settled disputes by striking each other with their wings; to aid this purpose, they used the knobs on their wrists.
Fractures in their wing bones also indicate that they were used in combat.
It has also been suggested that these fractures may instead have been the result of a hereditary bone disease rather than battle-injuries.
But in all extant birds where carpal spurs and knobs are present, these are used as weapons without exceptions.
Though some dodo bones have been found with healed fractures, it had weak pectoral muscles and more reduced wings in comparison with the Rodrigues solitaire.
Since Rodrigues receives less rainfall and has more seasonal variation than Mauritius, which would have affected the availability of resources on the island, the solitaire would have more reason to evolve aggressive territorial behaviour.
Several accounts state that they also defended themselves with a powerful bite.
Little is known of the behaviour of the dodo, as most contemporary descriptions are very brief. Based on weight estimates, it has been suggested the male could reach the age of 21, and the female 17. Studies of the cantilever strength of its leg bones indicate that it could run quite fast. Unlike the Rodrigues solitaire, there is no evidence that the dodo used its wings in intraspecific combat. Though some dodo bones have been found with healed fractures, it had weak pectoral muscles and more reduced wings in comparison. The dodo may instead have used its large, hooked beak in territorial disputes. Since Mauritius received more rain and had a more stable climate than Rodrigues, there was probably less need for male dodos to fight over territory. The solitaire was therefore probably the more aggressive of the two.
Observations of the Rodrigues solitaire in life indicate that they were highly territorial. They presumably settled disputes by striking each other with their wings; to aid this purpose, they used the knobs on their wrists. Fractures in their wing bones also indicate that they were used in combat. It has also been suggested that these fractures may instead have been the result of a hereditary bone disease rather than battle-injuries. But in all extant birds where carpal spurs and knobs are present, these are used as weapons without exceptions. Though some dodo bones have been found with healed fractures, it had weak pectoral muscles and more reduced wings in comparison with the Rodrigues solitaire. Since Rodrigues receives less rainfall and has more seasonal variation than Mauritius, which would have affected the availability of resources on the island, the solitaire would have more reason to evolve aggressive territorial behaviour. Several accounts state that they also defended themselves with a powerful bite.
Raphinae