Nicobar Pigeon

About

The Nicobar Pigeon is a large, terrestrial pigeon found in the Nicobar Islands and other small islands and coastal regions of Southeast Asia and Oceania. It is the closest living relative of the extinct Dodo and Rodrigues Solitaire. Known for its striking iridescent plumage and a prominent crest, it is a highly distinctive species.

Size & lifespan

Length

32-36 cm (12.6-14.2 in)

Wingspan

50-55 cm (19.7-21.7 in)

Weight

400-500 g (14.1-17.6 oz)

Lifespan

Up to 15 years in the wild, longer in captivity

Diet

Omnivore, primarily frugivorous and granivorous

Physical characteristics

Plumage

The head, neck, and upper breast are dark grey, transitioning to iridescent green and copper-bronze on the mantle, back, and wing coverts. The lower back, rump, and tail are pure white, creating a stark contrast. The long, hackle-like feathers on the neck and upper breast are particularly striking, displaying a metallic green and coppery sheen. The primary and secondary flight feathers are dark, often with a bluish-green gloss.

Beak shape

Short, stout, and slightly hooked, blackish with a small cere at the base.

Eye color

Dark brown with a reddish orbital ring.

Leg color

Strong, reddish-purple legs and feet.

Distinguishing features

Its most distinctive features are the iridescent green and copper hackles on the neck, the prominent dark grey crest, and the contrasting pure white tail. The reddish-purple legs are also a good field mark.

Juvenile appearance

Juveniles are duller overall, with a blackish tail (lacking the white of adults) and a less developed or absent crest. The iridescent hackles are also less pronounced or absent, and the plumage is generally browner.

Seasonal changes

No significant seasonal plumage changes are observed.

Sexual dimorphism

Males and females are generally similar in plumage. Males tend to be slightly larger with a more prominent crest and longer hackles. Females may have a shorter crest and less developed hackles, and a browner underside. Juveniles are duller.

How to identify

1. 1

   Plumage Iridescence

   Look for the striking metallic green and coppery-bronze sheen on the back, wings, and especially the long, hackle-like neck feathers. This is unique among pigeons in its range.

2. 2

   White Tail

   The pure white tail is a key field mark, contrasting sharply with the dark body plumage. This is visible both in flight and when perched.

3. 3

   Crest

   Observe the prominent dark grey crest on the head, which is often held erect, giving the bird a distinctive profile.

4. 4

   Leg Color

   Note the strong, reddish-purple legs and feet, which are often visible when the bird is walking on the ground.

5. 5

   Terrestrial Behavior

   Look for it foraging on the forest floor, scratching through leaf litter. While it roosts in trees, its primary feeding behavior is terrestrial.

Habitat & range

Biomes

Tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, coastal forests, mangroves, and small offshore islands.

Geographic range

Found on the Nicobar Islands (India), Andaman Islands (India), and extends through coastal regions and small islands of Southeast Asia, including parts of Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu.

Elevation range

Primarily lowlands, from sea level up to approximately 100 meters (330 feet).

Preferred environments

Prefers undisturbed primary and secondary forests, particularly on small, uninhabited islands where predators are scarce. Often found foraging on the forest floor or along the edges of mangroves and coastal vegetation.

Behavior

Activity time

Diurnal, most active during the early morning and late afternoon.

Feeding habits

Forages primarily on the ground, often scratching through leaf litter with its strong feet. Its diet consists mainly of fallen fruits, seeds, nuts, and occasionally small invertebrates. It has a muscular gizzard that helps it digest hard seeds and nuts.

Social behavior

Typically seen singly, in pairs, or in small flocks. They form larger flocks when roosting communally on offshore islets at night. They are generally shy and wary.

Flight pattern

Strong, direct flight with rapid wing beats. When flying between islands or to roosting sites, they often fly in small flocks in a straight line.

Migration pattern

Resident throughout its range, but may undertake local movements between islands for foraging or roosting. Not a migratory species in the traditional sense.

Territoriality

Not strongly territorial, especially outside the breeding season. Breeding pairs may defend a small area around their nest.

Breeding & reproduction

Breeding season

Breeding can occur year-round, but peaks typically coincide with periods of abundant food availability, often between January and March or May and September, depending on the specific location.

Nesting habits

Nests are typically built in trees or shrubs, often on small offshore islands free from predators. The nest is a flimsy platform of twigs, usually placed several meters above the ground. They often nest in colonies.

Clutch size

1 egg

Egg description

Usually a single egg, rarely two. The egg is white or pale bluish-white, elliptical in shape.

Incubation period

Approximately 18-20 days.

Fledging period

Chicks fledge around 10-14 days after hatching, but remain dependent on parents for some time.

Parental care

Both parents share incubation duties and care for the chick. They feed the chick 'crop milk' initially, transitioning to regurgitated seeds and fruits.

Where to find

Field tips

1. Look on the Forest Floor. Since they are primarily ground feeders, focus your search on the forest floor, especially areas with fallen fruits and seeds. They can be surprisingly cryptic despite their bright colors.
2. Listen for Calls. Their low, guttural cooing calls can help locate them, especially in dense vegetation. Listen for repeated 'coo-coo-coo' sounds.
3. Check Roosting Sites. They often fly to communal roosting sites on offshore islets at dusk. Observing these flights can lead to finding larger groups.
4. Be Patient and Quiet. Nicobar Pigeons are shy. Approach quietly and patiently, using binoculars to scan the undergrowth and forest floor.

Similar species

Quick facts

Closest Relative:

Extinct Dodo and Rodrigues Solitaire

Distinctive Feature:

Iridescent hackles and white tail

Primary Diet:

Fallen fruits and seeds

Nesting Habit:

Flimsy twig nest, often in colonies

Conservation Status:

Near Threatened (due to habitat loss and hunting)

Fun facts

• The Nicobar Pigeon is the only living member of the genus Caloenas, making it a unique evolutionary lineage.
• Its iridescent plumage is thought to be a form of camouflage, helping it blend into the dappled light of the forest floor despite its bright colors.
• They possess a very muscular gizzard, which allows them to digest extremely hard nuts and seeds that other birds cannot.
• Despite being a pigeon, its appearance is so distinct that it is often mistaken for a pheasant or a small jungle fowl by those unfamiliar with it.

Scientific classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Aves

Order

Columbiformes

Family

Columbidae

Genus

Caloenas

Species

Caloenas nicobarica

Explore the Nicobar Pigeon