Ducula pickeringii
The Grey Imperial Pigeon (Ducula pickeringii) is a striking medium-sized pigeon, typically measuring 30-35 cm (12-14 inches) in length, renowned for its elegant, largely grey plumage accented by iridescent green and bronze hues. Its most distinctive features include a pale grey head and neck, contrasting with a darker, glossy green or bronzy-green back, wings, and tail, while the undertail coverts are conspicuously white. Identification is further aided by its bright red eyes, dark bill, and ...
Primarily inhabits coastal lowland forests, mangroves, and small offshore islets, often favoring areas with significant fruit-bearing trees. Typically found at elevations from sea level up to around 100 meters.
Primarily frugivorous, consuming a wide variety of large fruits, berries, and figs from forest trees and palms. Foraging occurs high in the canopy, with fruits swallowed whole.
Grey Imperial Pigeons are predominantly diurnal, spending their days foraging in the forest canopy and often roosting communally in tall trees or mangroves at night. Their foraging strategy involves actively searching for ripe fruits among the foliage, often consuming large fruits whole thanks to...
The Grey Imperial Pigeon has a fragmented distribution across various islands and coastal regions of Southeast Asia, primarily in the Philippines, Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak on Borneo), and Indonesia. Its range extends through the Sulu Archipelago, Palawan, and various smaller islands within the...
Vulnerable
- The Grey Imperial Pigeon is a critical 'sky-dwelling' seed disperser, carrying seeds of coastal trees and mangroves across island ecosystems. - Despite its name, its plumage isn't uniformly grey; iridescent green and bronze hues shimmer on its back and wings, especially in good light. - This sp...