The large green pigeon is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is found in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Thailand. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Southeast Asia (Sundaland)
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily in Brunei, Indonesia (Sumatra, Borneo), Malaysia (Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak), southern Myanmar, and Thailand. Prefers primary and mature secondary lowland evergreen and dipterocarp forests. Seen most often in the mid- to upper canopy, visiting fruiting trees along forest edges and river corridors. Avoids extensive open areas and heavily degraded habitats, making it sensitive to logging and fragmentation.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This canopy-dwelling pigeon is one of the largest green pigeons and relies heavily on intact lowland rainforest. It is an important seed disperser, especially for figs and other fruiting trees. Rapid deforestation across Sundaland has caused notable declines, and the species is considered at risk from habitat loss.
Temperament
shy and canopy-oriented
Flight Pattern
strong, direct flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically encountered singly, in pairs, or in small groups, especially at fruiting trees. Forms loose feeding flocks when resources are abundant. Nests are simple twig platforms placed high in trees; pairs are monogamous and share incubation and chick rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, low coos and hoots delivered from within the canopy. Calls can be subdued and easily overlooked, often a series of mellow, evenly spaced notes.
Plumage
Smooth, predominantly green plumage with yellowish-olive tones; darker flight feathers and cleaner, paler underparts than many congeners. The head can appear slightly greyer in some individuals, with a neat, unmarked throat and glossy green mantle. Underparts are softly graded without heavy streaking; tail shows darker subterminal shading.
Diet
Primarily eats fruit, especially figs (Ficus), along with berries and drupes from a variety of forest trees. Swallows small fruits whole and later disperses seeds, aiding forest regeneration. Occasionally takes young shoots or buds but is largely frugivorous.
Preferred Environment
Feeds high in the mid- to upper canopy at fruiting trees, including along forest edges and riparian corridors. Will descend to lower strata if fruit is abundant but generally avoids open ground.
