Nicobar Pigeon

(Caloenas nicobarica)

Philippines Moist Forests

STATISTICS

Height up to

40 cm

Weight up to

453 grams

Lifespan

12 Years

Flies in Flocks - Diurnal - Social

A bird found on small islands and in coastal regions near the Philippines, the Nicobar Pigeon is the closest living relative of the extinct dodo. A large pigeon, it has a gray head, with metallic green and copper coloring throughout, and red feet.

The Nicobar Pigeon, a social animal, flocks from island to island seeking uninhabited areas where grain is available. It also feeds on seeds, fruit and insects. A highly-organized flier, the Nicobar Pigeon is regimented in flight, aligning itself in a column or single file line with others in its group. Its white tail serves a distinct purpose in transport, acting as a “taillight” to keep flocks together at dawn and dusk.

BIODIVERSITY BENEFIT

Seed Dispersal

THREATS

Trapping

For food and the pet trade.

Habitat Loss

Clearing of habitat for plantations.

Predation

Predation by rats, cats and nonnative species in nesting grounds.