The Comoro green pigeon is a bird in the family Columbidae. It was previously thought to be conspecific with the Madagascar green pigeon.
Region
Comoros Archipelago, Western Indian Ocean
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, forest edges, and wooded plantations where fruiting trees are abundant. It frequents the canopy and subcanopy, descending to lower levels only to drink or to access specific fruiting shrubs. The species tolerates secondary growth if large fruiting trees remain, but is most numerous in relatively intact forest. It may visit agroforestry plots (e.g., clove or ylang-ylang) when figs and other fruits are available.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Endemic to the Comoros, this green pigeon was formerly treated as conspecific with the Madagascar green pigeon but is now recognized as distinct. It is an important seed disperser for native forest trees, especially figs. The species is threatened by habitat loss and hunting pressure, which fragment populations and reduce breeding success.
Temperament
wary and discreet
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift, direct flight between trees
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small groups, especially at fruiting trees. Builds a flimsy stick platform nest high in the canopy. Typically lays a single egg (sometimes two), with both parents sharing incubation and chick rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft series of mellow coos and low whistles, often given from concealed perches. Calls carry poorly through dense foliage, making the species easier to detect by close-range cooing than by long-distance song.
Plumage
Predominantly green with a smooth, satiny appearance; underparts yellow-green, wings with fine yellow edging on coverts. Males show a greyer head and nape; females are overall greener. Flight feathers are darker with contrasting green coverts.
Diet
Primarily frugivorous, feeding on figs (Ficus) and a variety of soft, lipid-rich forest fruits. It swallows small fruits whole and perches to pluck larger ones. Occasionally takes buds and tender leaves when fruit is scarce. By moving between fruiting trees, it disperses seeds across the forest.
Preferred Environment
Forages mainly in the canopy and subcanopy of mature and secondary forests. Will also exploit fruiting trees in agroforestry and village edges when undisturbed.
