Pied Imperial Pigeon
Ducula bicolor
The Pied Imperial Pigeon is a large, striking forest pigeon native to coastal forests, mangroves, and small islands of Southeast Asia. It is almost entirely white or creamy-white, with contrasting black flight feathers and tail tips, giving it a bold pied appearance. Highly gregarious, these pigeons often travel in large flocks between nesting colonies on offshore islands and feeding grounds on the mainland, flying long distances over water in search of wild fruits.
Pied Imperial Pigeon Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions About the Pied Imperial Pigeon
The Pied Imperial Pigeon is found across Southeast Asia, primarily nesting on small offshore islands and mangroves, and foraging in coastal forests.
It is a strict frugivore, feeding almost exclusively on wild fruits, particularly figs, nutmegs, and other drupes.
Nesting on small offshore islands protects their eggs and chicks from terrestrial predators like cats, monkeys, and large lizards.
The Pied Imperial Pigeon is usually highly gregarious, nests in colonies.
The Pied Imperial Pigeon is typically diurnal.
The Pied Imperial Pigeon is partially migratory.
The main threats facing the Pied Imperial Pigeon include Habitat destruction, Hunting, and Disturbance at nesting sites.
The Pied Imperial Pigeon population trend is currently stable.
Well-known places to look for the Pied Imperial Pigeon include Similan Islands (Thailand), Kinabatangan River (Borneo), Pulau Redang (Malaysia), and Pulau Ubin (Singapore).
Natural predators of the Pied Imperial Pigeon include Birds of prey and Snakes.
The Pied Imperial Pigeon is part of the Columbidae family and a Columbiformes order.
The Pied Imperial Pigeon weighs about 0.48 kg, reaches about 40 cm in length, and has a wingspan of about 75 cm.
