The dark-backed imperial pigeon is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is endemic to the Lesser Sunda Islands.
Region
Lesser Sunda Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs in evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, monsoon woodland, and forest edges across the Lesser Sundas. It favors tall, mature canopy but will use secondary growth and fruiting trees in degraded forest. Often found along ridges and in foothill forests, and occasionally in coastal woodland where large fruiting trees persist. Roosts high in the canopy and may move locally in response to fruit availability.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1700 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A canopy-dwelling frugivore, it plays an important role in forest regeneration by dispersing large seeds, especially figs. It is typically shy and often detected by its deep, booming calls rather than seen. Pairs or small groups visit fruiting trees and may commute between forest patches across islands.
Temperament
shy and wary
Flight Pattern
strong flier with direct flight and rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or in small groups at fruiting trees. Nests are simple twig platforms placed high in the canopy. The clutch is typically a single egg, and both parents share incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are deep, resonant booming coos delivered in measured sequences, often at dawn and dusk. Calls carry far through forest, aiding contact between widely spaced birds.
Plumage
Contrasting pale to medium-gray head and neck with a distinctly darker, slate-olive mantle and back; wings and tail are dusky with a slight sheen. Underparts are paler gray with a faint buff or olive wash on the belly. Feathers are smooth and glossy on the upperparts, giving a sleek, uniform look.
Diet
Feeds primarily on large fruits and drupes, especially figs (Ficus), which it swallows whole. Also takes berries and occasional soft seeds from native forest trees. By passing seeds undigested, it is an effective long-distance disperser across fragmented habitats.
Preferred Environment
Forages high in the canopy of primary and secondary forests, visiting fruiting trees along edges and ridgelines. Will also feed in woodland patches and mature trees within mixed agricultural mosaics when fruit is abundant.
