The grey imperial pigeon is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is found in the Sulu Archipelago, Miangas and Talaud Islands. It is a small island specialist where its natural habitats are tropical moist lowland forests and plantations. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Maritime Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs on small islands of the Sulu Archipelago (southwestern Philippines) and the Miangas and Talaud Islands off northern Sulawesi (Indonesia). It specializes in tropical moist lowland forest, favoring intact primary forest but also using mature secondary growth and fruit plantations. Birds are most often seen high in the canopy and along forest edges near fruiting trees. It may cross short sea channels between nearby islets to track food availability.
Altitude Range
0–800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A canopy-dwelling frugivore, the grey imperial pigeon plays an important role in seed dispersal across small islands. It is typically shy and keeps to tall forest, but will visit fruiting trees in plantations. Populations are pressured by ongoing lowland forest loss and fragmentation. Conservation hinges on protecting remaining primary and mature secondary forests on these islands.
A captive Grey Imperial Pigeon seen in Ninoy Aquino Parks and WIldlife Center
Temperament
wary and shy
Flight Pattern
strong flier
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in small loose groups, especially at fruiting trees. Nests high in trees on a simple platform of twigs, with the typical pigeon clutch of a single egg. Pairs are monogamous during the breeding period and defend the immediate nest area.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives deep, resonant cooing notes characteristic of imperial pigeons, often a slow series of low booming hoots. Calls carry through the canopy at dawn and dusk.
Plumage
Largely uniform grey with a slightly paler head and underparts and darker slate-grey wings and tail; smooth, glossy-looking plumage typical of imperial pigeons.
Diet
Primarily eats fruits, especially figs (Ficus) and other drupes and berries, swallowing them whole and later dispersing seeds. Will also take cultivated fruits when available. Foraging is methodical in the canopy, moving between fruiting trees and occasionally making short flights between islets.
Preferred Environment
Feeds high in the canopy of primary and mature secondary lowland forests. Also visits forest edges and fruiting trees in coconut and mixed-crop plantations.
