The ashy-headed green pigeon is a pigeon in the genus Treron. It is found from Nepal, northeast India, and Bangladesh to southwest China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. Many authorities split the species from the pompadour green pigeon complex. It has been added to the Red List of IUCN in 2014.
Region
South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Himalayan foothills of Nepal and northeast India through Bangladesh and into southwest China (e.g., Yunnan), Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. It inhabits evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, wooded edges, and secondary growth, and also visits orchards and plantations with abundant fruit. The species favors the mid- to upper canopy where it forages quietly. It can persist in mosaics of forest and farmland provided large fruiting trees are present. Local movements may occur in response to fruit availability.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The ashy-headed green pigeon is part of the pompadour green pigeon complex and was split as a distinct species by many authorities. It is a canopy-dwelling frugivore that often goes unnoticed due to its excellent leaf-green camouflage. By swallowing fruits whole and dispersing seeds, it plays an important role in forest regeneration. It is typically shy, but can gather in small flocks at fruiting trees.
Temperament
shy and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small groups, and may join mixed-species aggregations at heavily fruiting trees. Monogamous pairs build flimsy stick platforms high in trees. Typical clutch size is one to two eggs, with both parents sharing incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, mellow coos and low whistles delivered from concealed perches in the canopy. Calls are understated and can be hard to detect over insect noise, aiding the bird’s stealthy presence.
Plumage
Smooth, leaf-green body with a distinctive ashy-grey head and nape; wings show contrasting colored patches and narrow yellow edging to the flight feathers. Underparts are greenish with a slight yellow wash and cleaner, paler belly. Tail is green with a darker subterminal band and paler tip.
Diet
Primarily consumes figs and other soft fruits, which it swallows whole before later regurgitating or passing the seeds. Also takes berries from laurels and other forest trees and shrubs. Occasionally nibbles buds and tender leaves. It relies on seasonal fruiting cycles and may shift locally to track preferred trees.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly in the mid- to upper canopy of evergreen and semi-evergreen forests. Will also forage along forest edges, riverside trees, and in orchards or plantations with abundant fruiting species.
