Species · GBIF taxon 5231891
Nicobar Pigeon
Caloenas nicobaricaAlso known as Nicobar Dove, Hackled Pigeon, Vulturine Pigeon
Nicobar pigeons are large, ground-dwelling birds famous for their spectacular, shimmering green and copper plumage and long neck hackles. They roam coastal forests and small offshore islands in search of fallen seeds, fruits, and small invertebrates. As the closest living relative of the extinct dodo, these heavy-bodied birds possess a unique gizzard stone that helps them grind down extremely hard nuts.
ColorfulTerrestrialIsland-Dweller
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Near ThreatenedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNear ThreatenedRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Fallen seeds
- Wild fruits
- Insects
Predators
- Feral cats
- Rats
- Birds of prey
ThreatsHabitat destruction, hunting for food and the pet trade, and invasive predators
HabitatsDense coastal forests, mangroves, and lowland rainforests on small islands
Life span10 to 15 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderColumbiformes
- FamilyColumbidae
- GenusCaloenas
- SpeciesCaloenas nicobarica
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- What to notice
- Look for a large pigeon with long, hair-like neck hackles and a short, pure white tail.
- Support conservation
- Maintain a respectful distance to avoid flushing them from their ground nests or feeding areas.
Responsible observation
- Listen for heavy wingbeats: Their wings make a distinct whistling sound when they take flight.
- Look on the forest floor: They spend most of their time foraging on the ground rather than high in the canopy.
- Watch for the white tail: The bright white tail feathers act as a beacon for flock mates in dark forest undergrowth.
Extinct Congener (c) Clemency Fisher, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Extinct Relative BazzaDaRambler / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
Extinct Relative Emőke Dénes / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Family Member JJ Harrison / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
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Urban Dwellers
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