Green Imperial Pigeon

1. Bird Name:
English Name: Green Imperial Pigeon
Scientific (Latin) Name: Ducula aenea

2. Appearance:
The Green Imperial Pigeon is a large, plump pigeon, measuring 40–45 cm in length. Exhibiting a predominantly white or greyish-white head that transitions into a pale green for the major part of its body. This elegant bird’s feathers are tinted with iridescent blue and green sheens. Its eyes are dark to pale yellow while the strong, robust beak and feet are bluish-grey. There is little to no sexual dimorphism in this species, meaning males and females have very similar appearances.

3. Size:
The average length of a Green Imperial Pigeon is between 40-45cm with a wingspan of around 50cm. They typically weigh in between 450 – 525g.

4. Habitat & Distribution:
The Green Imperial Pigeon is a tropical bird species abundantly found in South Asia and Southeast Asia. This includes the Indian subcontinent, Sri Lanka, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and the Greater Sundas. These birds generally prefer forests, plantations, mangroves, wooded habitats, and can also be found in urban parks and gardens.

5. Interesting Facts:
• The Green Imperial Pigeon is an arboreal species, which means it spends the majority of its life perched high in the treetops.
• They often gather in large communal roosts with other species of pigeons.
• They are monogamous – once they pair, they remain together for life.
• In Sri Lanka, this bird is known as “Haritha Madu Piduru” and in Malay, it’s known as “Pergam Hijau.”

6. Diet:
The bird is essentially frugivorous with its diet prominently consisting of fruit. They are particularly partial to figs. Occasionally, they feed on small insects and invertebrates.

7. Behavior & Sounds:
Green Imperial Pigeons are usually silent, but during the breeding season, they generate a deep and resonant “hoo-HOO-hoo” sound that can be heard clearly over long distances. They are solitary or found in pairs or small groups. They are strong fliers but they are not migratory, although they may travel long distances in search of food.

8. Conservation Status:
Thankfully, the Green Imperial Pigeon is currently classified as ‘Least Concern’ by the IUCN Red List due to its large range and relative abundance.

9. Lifespan:
The average lifespan of a Green Imperial Pigeon in the wild is estimated to be around 15 years. In captivity, they may live longer, up to 20 years.

10. Additional Notes:
The Green Imperial Pigeon plays an important ecological role in seed dispersal. Because they feed on fruits, they distribute the seeds through their droppings throughout their habitat, thus helping in the growth of new plants and maintaining the balance of their ecosystem. They are generally shy and elusive birds, but in some urban areas they have adapted to humans and can be found roosting and feeding near human habitations.