|
|
Birds
|
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) |
|
|
