The goliath imperial pigeon, also known as the New Caledonian imperial pigeon and the notou, is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is endemic to New Caledonia. Its natural habitat is humid forests. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has assessed it as a near-threatened species.
Region
Southwest Pacific (New Caledonia)
Typical Environment
Found in humid primary and mature secondary forests across New Caledonia’s main island and nearby islets. It prefers extensive tracts of intact canopy where large fruiting trees are abundant. The species may venture to forest edges and riverine corridors but generally avoids heavily degraded habitats. It occasionally uses regenerating forest when fruit is available and can move locally following seasonal fruiting.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the notou, this is the largest imperial pigeon and is endemic to New Caledonia. It plays a key role as a seed disperser for many native trees by swallowing large fruits whole. The species is shy and often flushed by disturbance or hunting pressure. The IUCN currently lists it as Near Threatened due to habitat loss and past overhunting.
Temperament
shy and wary
Flight Pattern
strong flier with direct, powerful wingbeats; occasional short glides between canopy gaps
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes in small loose groups at fruiting trees. Nests high in tall trees on a simple platform of twigs. Typically lays a single egg, with both parents sharing incubation and chick-rearing duties. Territorial displays include deep cooing and short display flights around the nesting area.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Low, resonant, far-carrying coos delivered in a slow sequence, often at dawn and dusk. Calls can include deep booming notes followed by softer, descending coos.
Plumage
Massive, largely gray pigeon with a darker slate-gray head and breast, contrasting paler gray underparts, and glossy greenish-olive mantle and wings. Undertail coverts are rich rufous, and the tail often shows a paler terminal band. Overall appearance is smooth-plumed with a heavy, deep-chested look.
Diet
Primarily large fruits and drupes from native forest trees, including figs and laurels, which it swallows whole and later disperses as seeds. It may also take berries and occasionally soft seeds. Seasonal movements within its range track the availability of fruiting trees. Gizzard processing allows it to handle sizable fruits efficiently.
Preferred Environment
Forages high in the forest canopy, especially at fruiting emergent and mid-story trees. Will come to edges, ridges, and river corridors when fruit is abundant, and may visit regenerating forests and groves of native fruiting species.
