The grey-fronted green pigeon is a pigeon in the genus Treron. It is found in the forests of the Western Ghats in India. Many authorities have split the species from the pompadour green pigeon complex.
Region
Western Ghats, India
Typical Environment
Occupies evergreen and moist deciduous forests, forest edges, and riparian groves. Frequently visits fruiting Ficus and other canopy trees and will also forage in coffee and areca plantations with remnant shade trees. It uses wooded hillsides, village orchards, and well-wooded gardens near forest. Prefers dense canopy cover and is most active where fruit is abundant.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A Western Ghats endemic, this green pigeon was split from the pompadour green pigeon complex and is best told by the male’s grey forehead and crown. It is a key disperser of native forest trees, especially figs. Shy and canopy-loving, it is more often detected by its mellow coos than seen clearly.
Temperament
social and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift, direct flight
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small parties at fruiting trees, and may join mixed-species green pigeon flocks. Nests are flimsy twig platforms placed well inside the foliage. The clutch is typically 1–2 glossy white eggs, with both parents sharing incubation and chick rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Soft, mellow coos and whistled notes, often a repeated two- to three-syllable phrase. Calls carry through the canopy and are given most at dawn and late afternoon.
Plumage
Rich green with yellow-olive tones; males show a slate-grey forehead and crown and a maroon shoulder/wing patch edged yellow. Females are mostly green with a subtly greyer face and lack the maroon patch. Both sexes have yellow-edged wing coverts and a greyish tail with a darker subterminal band.
Diet
Primarily eats fruit, especially figs (Ficus), along with berries and small drupes. Swallows fruit whole and later regurgitates or passes seeds, aiding forest regeneration. Occasionally takes flower buds and tender shoots when fruit is scarce.
Preferred Environment
Forages high in the canopy at fruiting trees within evergreen and moist deciduous forest. Also visits shaded plantations, orchards, and large fruiting trees in villages near forest edges.
