Ducula zoeae
Zoe's Imperial Pigeon (Ducula zoeae) is a striking, medium-sized pigeon endemic to New Guinea and its surrounding islands, measuring approximately 38-40 centimeters in length. Its plumage features olive-green upperparts, contrasting with a grey head and breast, a bright white throat, and a distinct white belly that transitions into a rich chestnut vent. A key identification mark is a dark, almost black, band separating the grey breast from the white belly, often accompanied by a subtle pinkis...
Found primarily in tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, including primary and secondary growth, and forest edges. It inhabits elevations ranging from sea level up to 1500 meters, occasionally reaching 2000 meters.
Primarily frugivorous, consuming a wide variety of large forest fruits, especially drupes and figs, which are swallowed whole. It forages arboreally, plucking fruits directly from branches.
Zoe's Imperial Pigeon is a diurnal species, typically observed foraging high in the forest canopy. It usually occurs singly, in pairs, or in small groups, but can form larger congregations at abundant fruiting trees. Foraging involves carefully gleaning large fruits, which are swallowed whole, ma...
Zoe's Imperial Pigeon is widely distributed across the island of New Guinea, encompassing both Papua New Guinea and the Indonesian provinces of Papua and West Papua. Its range extends to numerous associated islands, including the Aru Islands, Raja Ampat Islands (such as Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati,...
Least Concern
- Zoe's Imperial Pigeon plays a vital ecological role as a key disperser of large seeds in its forest habitat, aiding the regeneration of many tree species. - Its scientific name, *Ducula zoeae*, likely honors a specific individual named Zoe, possibly a collector's wife or daughter, a common prac...