Yellow-footed Green Pigeon

About

The Yellow-footed Green Pigeon is a medium-sized pigeon characterized by its predominantly green plumage, yellow feet, and a distinctive lilac patch on the crown and nape in males. It is a frugivorous species found across a wide range of habitats in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, often seen in flocks feeding on figs and other fruits.

Size & lifespan

Length

27-33 cm

Wingspan

48-54 cm

Weight

220-260 g

Lifespan

Approximately 8-12 years in the wild

Diet

Frugivore

Physical characteristics

Plumage

Adults are predominantly green. The back and wings are olive-green, with a prominent maroon patch on the lesser wing coverts (visible in flight and sometimes at rest). The underparts are yellowish-green, fading to yellow on the belly and undertail coverts. The tail is greyish with a broad subterminal black band. Males have a distinctive lilac-grey patch on the crown and nape, which is absent or much reduced in females.

Beak shape

Relatively short and stout, pale bluish-grey at the base, transitioning to greenish-yellow or yellowish at the tip.

Eye color

Inner orbital ring is blue, outer ring is yellow-orange. The iris is typically blue-grey.

Leg color

Bright yellow, hence the common name.

Distinguishing features

Bright yellow feet, a maroon patch on the wing, and the lilac-grey crown/nape in males are key identifiers. The overall yellowish-green underparts are also characteristic.

Juvenile appearance

Juveniles resemble females but are duller, with a more uniform green plumage and lacking the distinct lilac-grey crown patch. The maroon wing patch may be less developed or absent, and the yellow on the feet might be less intense.

Seasonal changes

No significant seasonal plumage changes. Plumage remains consistent throughout the year, though wear and tear can make colors appear slightly duller over time.

Sexual dimorphism

Males possess a distinct lilac-grey patch on the crown and nape, which is absent or much duller/greener in females. Females are generally duller overall, with less vibrant green plumage.

How to identify

1. 1

   Yellow Feet

   The most distinctive and reliable field mark. Look for bright yellow legs and feet, especially when perched.

2. 2

   Maroon Wing Patch

   A prominent maroon patch on the lesser wing coverts is visible on the folded wing and especially in flight. This helps distinguish it from other green pigeons.

3. 3

   Lilac Crown (Males)

   Adult males have a soft lilac-grey wash on the crown and nape. This is absent or much duller in females and juveniles.

4. 4

   Overall Plumage

   Predominantly yellowish-green plumage, with a greyish tail that has a broad black subterminal band.

5. 5

   Vocalization

   Listen for its characteristic soft, fluty, ascending and descending whistles and coos, which are quite distinctive among green pigeons.

Habitat & range

Biomes

Tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, dry deciduous forests, scrublands, agricultural areas, urban parks, and gardens.

Geographic range

Indian subcontinent, including India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and parts of Southeast Asia (Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, southern China).

Elevation range

Primarily lowlands up to approximately 1,500 meters (5,000 feet) above sea level, occasionally higher.

Preferred environments

Prefers areas with abundant fruiting trees, especially fig trees. Found in open woodlands, forest edges, riverine forests, and well-wooded urban environments.

Behavior

Activity time

Diurnal, most active during the morning and late afternoon.

Feeding habits

Strictly frugivorous, primarily feeding on figs (Ficus species), but also consumes berries and fruits of other trees like banyan, peepal, and various wild fruits. They forage in the canopy, often hanging upside down to reach fruits. They swallow fruits whole.

Social behavior

Highly gregarious, typically found in small to large flocks, especially when feeding at fruiting trees. They can form very large congregations at abundant food sources. They are generally shy but can become accustomed to human presence in urban areas.

Flight pattern

Strong, direct, and swift flight, often in small to large flocks. They can be quite agile when maneuvering through tree canopies.

Migration pattern

Mostly resident throughout its range, but some local movements may occur in response to fruit availability. Not considered a long-distance migratory species.

Territoriality

Not strongly territorial, especially outside the breeding season. Flocks share feeding grounds. During breeding, pairs will defend a small nesting territory.

Breeding & reproduction

Breeding season

Varies geographically, but generally from March to June in most parts of its range, extending into September in some areas, coinciding with fruit availability.

Nesting habits

Nests are typically flimsy platforms of twigs, placed high up in the canopy of trees or large bushes. Both parents participate in nest construction.

Clutch size

1-2 eggs, most commonly 2.

Egg description

Usually 1-2 eggs, pure white, elliptical to oval in shape, smooth, and glossy.

Incubation period

Approximately 14-16 days.

Fledging period

Chicks fledge around 12-14 days after hatching.

Parental care

Both parents share incubation duties and care for the young, feeding them 'crop milk' initially, followed by regurgitated fruit pulp.

Where to find

Field tips

1. Look Up. These pigeons spend most of their time in the tree canopy, so scan the upper branches of fruiting trees.
2. Listen for Calls. Their soft, fluty calls are often the first indication of their presence, especially when they are hidden by foliage.
3. Observe Feeding Flocks. They are gregarious feeders. If you find one, there are likely more. Watch for movement in the foliage of fruiting trees.
4. Patience is Key. Their green plumage provides excellent camouflage. Remain still and observe for a while, and they will often reveal themselves.

Similar species

Quick facts

Diet:

Frugivorous (primarily figs)

Sociality:

Highly gregarious, forms flocks

Feet Color:

Bright yellow

Male Head Patch:

Lilac-grey

Conservation Status:

Least Concern

Fun facts

• The Yellow-footed Green Pigeon is the State Bird of Maharashtra, India.
• They play a crucial ecological role as seed dispersers for many fruiting trees, especially figs, helping in forest regeneration.
• Despite their bright green plumage, they are remarkably well-camouflaged among the leaves of fruiting trees.
• They can often be seen hanging upside down to reach ripe fruits, showcasing their agility.

Scientific classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Aves

Order

Columbiformes

Family

Columbidae

Genus

Treron

Species

Treron phoenicoptera

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