The Micronesian imperial pigeon, also known as the Micronesian pigeon, and Belochel is a species of bird in the family Columbidae (doves). It is found in Palau, the Caroline Islands, the Marshall Islands and Nauru. Its habitats include montane forests, secondary forests, forests on beaches, and mangroves. It is threatened by hunting and deforestation, and the IUCN has assessed it as a near-threatened species.
Region
Micronesia (western Pacific Ocean)
Typical Environment
Occurs on Palau, the Caroline Islands (FSM), the Marshall Islands, and Nauru. It occupies primary and secondary evergreen forests, coastal beach forests, and mangroves. The species forages mainly in the mid- to upper canopy but will descend to edges and fruiting trees near villages. On smaller atolls it uses remaining groves and thickets. It tolerates some habitat disturbance if fruiting trees persist, but declines where large tracts of forest are removed.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Belochel in Palau, this imperial pigeon is a key seed disperser for native forest trees, especially figs and other large-fruited species. It is wary due to historical hunting pressure and is locally protected in parts of its range. Habitat loss and fragmentation remain major threats across small oceanic islands. Conservation actions often focus on forest protection and hunting controls.
Illustration
In flight
Temperament
wary and alert
Flight Pattern
strong flier with direct, rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small groups at fruiting trees. It nests in trees, building a simple twig platform and typically laying a single egg. Courtship includes soft coos and bowing displays in the canopy.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Deep, resonant coos delivered in a slow series, often carrying far through forest. Calls may include low booming notes and softer contact coos around feeding trees.
Plumage
Glossy dark green to bronzy upperparts with iridescence, contrasting with a grey head and neck. Breast grey grading to paler belly; undertail darker with a contrasting pale terminal edge. Wings are broad and dark with a green sheen; tail is dark with a noticeable pale band.
Diet
Primarily feeds on fruits of figs (Ficus), pandanus, and other native trees, swallowing whole fruits and later dispersing seeds. It may also take drupes and large berries from canopy species. Occasional ingestion of buds or seeds is reported, but fruit makes up the bulk of the diet.
Preferred Environment
Forages high in the canopy of primary and secondary forests, and readily visits fruiting trees along edges and in mangroves. On smaller islands it concentrates around remaining mature trees and village fruit trees.
