Island Imperial Pigeon

Overview

The island imperial pigeon, also known as the floury imperial pigeon, is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is currently assessed as a least-concern species by the IUCN due to its large range and stable population.

Identification

• Length of 39–45 cm with a weight of 470–500 g.
• Pale grey head and neck with distinctive white spectacles around the eyes.
• Glossy upperparts featuring grey-green wing coverts, a dark blue-green uppertail, and a chestnut undertail.
• Slaty-blue beak with a black tip, dark red or brownish eyes, and red feet.

Habitat

This species is found in the Bismarck Archipelago, the Solomon Islands archipelago, and small islands to the north and east of New Guinea. It inhabits coastal primary forest, old secondary forest, mangroves, and some disturbed habitats.

Diet

The pigeon plucks fruits from branches in the canopy and is known to fly across the sea to search for food.

Did you know?

During display behaviour, the bird flies up at a steep angle of 70 degrees before gliding down.