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Nicobar Pigeon
Caloenas nicobarica
The Nicobar pigeon is a striking bird native to Southeast Asia. These beautiful birds have a "mane" of hairlike feathers and iridescent coloring in metallic blue-green and coppery reflections. The males have a small black knob at the base of their bill.
Range & Habitat
Mangroves and lowland forests in Southeast Asia – from India eastward, on the Nicobar Islands to New Guinea and in Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines.
Conservation Status: Near Threatened
Near Threatened due to hunting, the pet trade and deforestation of wooded areas on small islands.
Diet
In the Wild – Mainly hard seeds, fruits, corn and invertebrates.
At the Zoo: Pigeon pellets, paradise pellets, fruits, seeds and insects.
Life Span
In the Wild – 8-12 years
In Human Care – 10-15 years.
In Human Care – 10-15 years.
Fun Facts about the Nicobar Pigeon
- The Nicobar pigeon is also known as the “hackled pigeon,” “white-tailed pigeon,” or “vulturine pigeon.”
- Nicobar pigeons have a very muscular gizzard (the “second” stomach of a bird used for grinding food), and can eat some hard nuts that humans can only open with a hammer!
- The Nicobar pigeon is a relative of the extinct Dodo bird.
Sources
BirdLife International, (2006). Nicobar pigeon - birdlife species factsheet. Retrieved November 11, 2005, from BirdLife International Web site: http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/species/index.html?action=SpcHTMDetails.asp&sid=2604&m=0
City of Garden City, Nicobar Pigeon. Retrieved March 22, 2006, from Lee Richardson Zoo Web site: http://www.garden-city.org/zoo/animalinfo/Birds/nicobar_pigeon.htm
del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A., & Sargatal, J. (Eds.) (1997). Handbook of the birds of the world, vol. 4. Barcelona, Spain: Lynx Edicions.
Gerald Durrell Jersey Zoo, Nicobar pigeon. Retrieved March 22, 2006, from Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust Web site: http://www.shoarns.com/NicobarPigeon.html
Updated June 13, 2023
Location:
Diversity of Birds
