The little green pigeon is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is found in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It is smaller than other species in the genus Treron.
Region
Sundaland, Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs in Brunei, Indonesia (including Borneo and Sumatra), Malaysia, Singapore, and southern Thailand. Prefers primary and secondary moist lowland forest, forest edges, peat and swamp forest, and mangroves, and may visit fruiting trees in plantations and gardens near forest. It is largely a canopy species but descends to mid-story and edges to feed. Generally avoids high elevations and extensive open country.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A small fruit pigeon of Southeast Asian lowland forests, the little green pigeon is notably smaller than most other Treron. Males show a distinctive maroon-and-yellow shoulder patch and subtle orange wash on the breast, while females are plain green. It forages quietly in the canopy and is often detected by soft, repetitive coos rather than by sight.
Temperament
shy and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift, direct flight between fruiting trees
Social Behavior
Often seen singly, in pairs, or small loose groups at fruiting trees. Builds a flimsy stick platform nest in trees or dense foliage. Typically monogamous, with both sexes sharing incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of soft, low cooing notes, often delivered from concealed perches in the canopy. Calls are mellow and repetitive, carrying modestly through forest edges during early morning and late afternoon.
Plumage
Compact, smooth-plumaged green pigeon with short tail and neat, clean coloration. Male has greyish head, orange-buff wash across the breast, and a maroon shoulder patch bordered yellow on the wing coverts; female is overall leaf-green with paler underparts and lacks the maroon patch. Both sexes show yellowish edging on wing coverts and bright yellowish undertail coverts.
Diet
Primarily feeds on small fruits, especially figs (Ficus), berries, and drupes, and will take palm fruits when available. Swallows fruits whole and later disperses seeds, playing an important role in forest regeneration. Occasionally nibbles on tender buds and young leaves.
Preferred Environment
Forages high in the forest canopy and along edges where fruiting trees are abundant. Also visits wooded parks, gardens, and plantations near forest, and may come to forest streams to drink.
