Treron formosae
The Whistling Green Pigeon, Treron formosae, is a captivating medium-sized pigeon native to East Asia, renowned for its vibrant camouflage and secretive nature. Measuring approximately 25-30 cm in length with a wingspan of 40-45 cm and weighing 150-250 grams, it is predominantly a brilliant olive-green, blending seamlessly with dense foliage. Key identification marks include a distinct yellow vent and bright yellow undertail coverts, often contrasting with darker flight feathers. Males typica...
This species primarily inhabits lowland broadleaf evergreen forests, secondary forests, and often utilizes forest edges and agricultural areas with scattered trees. It is typically found at elevations ranging from sea level up to approximately 1,000 meters.
Primarily frugivorous, their diet consists almost exclusively of a wide variety of wild figs and other soft fruits, which they consume whole directly from the tree canopy.
Whistling Green Pigeons are predominantly arboreal and diurnal, spending most of their time foraging high in the canopy, often alone or in small, loose flocks. They exhibit a characteristic stealthy movement through the trees, making them surprisingly difficult to spot despite their vibrant pluma...
The Whistling Green Pigeon has a fragmented distribution across parts of East Asia, primarily found in the Ryukyu Islands of Japan, Taiwan, and the northern Philippines, specifically Luzon, Batanes, and Babuyan Islands. Its breeding range closely aligns with its year-round presence, as it is larg...
Least Concern
- The "Whistling" in its common name refers to the distinctive sound produced by its wings during flight, a unique aerodynamic whistle that aids identification. - Males of several subspecies display a striking maroon or purple patch on their wing coverts, a key visual identifier and a clear mark ...