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Nicobar Pigeon
Caloenas nicobarica |
 Appearance
The Nicobar pigeon is quite
a large bird, with long legs, a short white tail and
heavy bill. Its stance is rather like that of a vulture,
and unlike most pigeons, it has short, hard plumage,
except on the neck, where the feathers are elongated
to form hackles that cover most of the body. The female
is slightly smaller than the male, with a smaller
bill cere, and the juvenile looks like the female,
but duller and without the white tail. Size: 40 cm
(15 3/4 in) |
Description
These birds are found throughout
their range only on small islands and tiny islets
off larger islands, but their flight is swift and
strong and they wander freely between groups of islands.
Little is known about their habits, but they appear
to be ground feeders. |
Regions
Andaman and Nicobar Islands,
east to Philippines, New Guinea and Solomon Islands
in small, off-lying wooded islands, single or couples
feeding or in small group, don't like calling. |
Diet
They feed on seeds, fruit and
some invertebrates, mainly at dusk, or by day in the
gloom of the forest. |
Breeding
Nicobar pigeons may nest in
large colonies, building their nests in trees or bushes.
The female lays a single egg. |
 Status
Wildlife Protection of Thailand,
Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act 1992 |
Conservation Status
LOWER RISK / Near Threatened
(See explanation to IUCN
Red List Categories) |
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