Pompadour Green Pigeon

1. Bird Name
The Pompadour Green Pigeon (Treron pompadora) is a lively and colorful bird species found across the Asian region.

2. Appearance
Pompadour Green Pigeons have a vibrant and interesting plumage that reflects beautifully vibrant shades of green, from a leafy to turquoise hue, interspersed with yellow undertones. This bird has a stout body structure where the crown or crest adorns the head, which is one of its primary recognitions. Their beak is short and curved, colored in either deep red or crimson depending on the region. The eye color of the bird is typically a vivid yellow, surrounded by an orange-tinged ring. The bird sports dull grey legs and a robust body. While both males and females possess similar coloration, males are usually vibrant in comparison with females having a slightly duller hue.

3. Size
The typical length of the Pompadour Green Pigeon is approximately 25 to 28 cm (9.8-11 in). Its wingspan is about 15 to 16 cm, and it typically weighs between 150 to 250 grams varying between the gender, dietary habits, and habitat.

4. Habitat & Distribution
This species has been sighted on the Asian continent, dwelling predominantly in India, Sri Lanka, Southern China, and Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. They frequent moist lowland forests, mangrove forests, or plantations and are also found in rural gardens enjoying the fruit trees.

5. Interesting Facts
Interestingly, Pompadour Green Pigeons are frugivorous (fruit-eating) in nature, which makes them great seed dispersers. They are monogamous birds, meaning that they mate for life, strengthening the pair’s bond through mutual grooming. Unlike other pigeons, they have an unusual perching manner in which they sit completely upright on a branch.

6. Diet
As frugivores, Pompadour Green Pigeons feed mainly on a variety of fruits, especially figs. They are known to be quiet and agile foragers, rarely venturing onto the ground to feed.

7. Behavior & Sounds
These birds are typically solitary or seen in pairs and are exceedingly shy, making them difficult to spot. They like to remain silent when disturbed, with their calls consisting of a series of cooing notes. Their flight sound has been described as a quiet flapping.

8. Conservation Status
According to the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List, the Pompadour Green Pigeon is classified as Least Concern, indicating that it is not currently endangered or threatened.

9. Lifespan
In the wild, Pompadour Green Pigeons can live up to 10 to 15 years, depending on their health and habitat conditions. When in captivity, they may live slightly longer due to controlled diets and environment, reaching up to 20 years.

10. Additional Notes
Local name for these pigeons in Indian locals is “Hara Patta Kabootar”. These birds play a key role in their ecosystem by aiding in seed dispersal due to their frugivorous diet. There hasn’t been much human interaction recorded considering their shy nature and dwelling of choice, that being dense woodlands.