Ducula latrans
The Barking Imperial Pigeon, *Ducula latrans*, is a striking, large-bodied fruit dove endemic to the lush forests of Fiji. Measuring approximately 38-42 cm (15-16.5 inches) in length and weighing around 450-550 grams, it boasts a generally dark, slate-grey plumage across its head, back, and wings, contrasting with a paler, sometimes reddish-tinged underside and undertail coverts. Its most distinctive field mark, aside from its robust size, is its loud, resonant, dog-like "barking" call, which...
This species primarily inhabits mature tropical moist broadleaf forests, ranging from coastal lowlands up to montane elevations of approximately 1,200 meters.
Exclusively frugivorous, its diet consists primarily of large forest fruits, particularly those with hard seeds, which it forages for by plucking directly from canopy trees.
The Barking Imperial Pigeon is a predominantly arboreal and diurnal species, spending most of its time high in the dense forest canopy. It typically forages solitarily or in small, loose groups, meticulously plucking large fruits directly from branches. Roosting occurs in the dense foliage of tal...
The Barking Imperial Pigeon is strictly endemic to the Fiji archipelago in the South Pacific, where it is a resident species, showing no migratory movements. Its distribution encompasses the larger Fijian islands, primarily Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni, Kadavu, Ovalau, Gau, and Koro. Within the...
Near Threatened
- The Barking Imperial Pigeon earned its name from its distinctive, loud, dog-like barks, a truly unique vocalization among pigeons. - It is an island endemic, found only in the Fiji archipelago, making it a special treasure of the South Pacific. - As a large fruit-eating pigeon, it plays a cruci...