Ducula rubricera
The Red-knobbed Imperial Pigeon (Ducula rubricera) is a magnificent, large pigeon endemic to the island archipelagos of Melanesia. Reaching lengths of 36-42 cm (14-16.5 inches) and weighing around 400-500 grams, it boasts iridescent bronzy-green upperparts, a pale grey head and neck, and rich chestnut to rufous underparts. Its most distinctive field mark, giving it its common name, is the prominent, bright red fleshy knob at the base of its yellow bill, which sits atop a yellow cere. Reddish-...
Found primarily in lowland primary and secondary forests, forest edges, and coastal mangroves, often frequenting areas with abundant fruiting trees. It occurs from sea level up to around 1200 meters (3,900 feet) in elevation.
A specialized frugivore, its diet consists almost exclusively of large fruits and berries, with a particular preference for various species of figs (Ficus spp.) and other drupes.
This imperial pigeon is largely arboreal and diurnal, spending most of its time in the forest canopy. It forages by plucking large fruits directly from trees, often hanging upside down to reach them. Typically observed singly or in pairs, it can aggregate into small flocks, especially at bountifu...
The Red-knobbed Imperial Pigeon is endemic to the Bismarck Archipelago and the Solomon Islands, an island chain in Melanesia. Its distribution covers a wide array of islands, including New Britain, New Ireland, Manus, and Mussau in the Bismarck Archipelago, extending eastwards to Bougainville, Ch...
Least Concern
- The Red-knobbed Imperial Pigeon is one of the largest pigeons in its range, a true 'imperial' presence in the canopy. - The striking red knob on its bill is a unique anatomical feature among pigeons and is thought to play a role in sexual display. - As a major disperser of large seeds, this pig...