How to identify the Yellow-footed Green Pigeon

To correctly identify the Yellow-footed Green Pigeon (Treron phoenicoptera), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

27-33 cm

Wingspan

48-54 cm

Weight

220-260 g

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   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.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

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

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

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

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Bright yellow, hence the common name.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   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.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   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.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

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

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   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.

Key field marks

• Yellow Feet. The most distinctive and reliable field mark. Look for bright yellow legs and feet, especially when perched.
• 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.
• 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.
• Overall Plumage. Predominantly yellowish-green plumage, with a greyish tail that has a broad black subterminal band.
• Vocalization. Listen for its characteristic soft, fluty, ascending and descending whistles and coos, which are quite distinctive among green pigeons.

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