The elegant imperial pigeon, also known as blue-tailed imperial-pigeon, is a large pigeon, with upperparts mainly dark blue-green in colour with an iridescent sheen. Head, neck and underparts are mostly pale grey, with red-brown undertail coverts.
Region
Wallacea, Indonesia
Typical Environment
Occurs on numerous small islands and coastal areas in the Maluku and Lesser Sunda (Nusa Tenggara) regions, with a strong affinity for lowland habitats. It frequents primary and secondary forests, mangroves, coastal woodland, and wooded plantations. The species often uses small offshore islets for roosting and breeding, commuting to larger islands to feed. It adapts to forest edges and fruit-rich gardens but generally avoids heavily urbanized zones.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the blue-tailed imperial-pigeon, it is an Indonesian island specialist that often commutes over water between small islets to reach fruiting trees. Like many imperial pigeons, it is an important seed disperser for tropical forest trees, especially figs. It can be shy and stays high in the canopy, where its deep booming calls often reveal its presence before the bird is seen.
Temperament
wary and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
strong flier with swift, direct flights often between islands
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in small groups, especially at fruiting trees. Roosts communally on small islets or in quiet coastal woodlands. Nests are flimsy platforms placed high in trees, typically with a single white egg and shared incubation by both parents.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Voice is a series of deep, resonant booming coos that carry far through forest and over water. Notes are spaced and muffled, often delivered from concealed perches. Calls are most frequent at dawn and dusk.
