The Mindoro imperial pigeon, also known as Mindoro zone-tailed pigeon, Great Mindoro pigeon or Pink-throated Imperial pigeon, is a bird species in the family Columbidae. It is endemic to the mountains of Mindoro in central Philippines and is the largest pigeon in the country reaching 50cm in length.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Endemic to the island of Mindoro in the central Philippines, where it inhabits primary and mature secondary evergreen forests. It keeps mainly to the upper canopy and along forested ridges and valleys. The species is most frequently recorded in montane and submontane zones and is seldom observed in heavily disturbed habitats. It follows fruiting trees, especially figs, and may range locally between forest blocks as resources shift.
Altitude Range
600–2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Mindoro imperial pigeon is the largest pigeon in the Philippines, reaching about 50 cm in length. It is a shy canopy-dweller and a key seed disperser for large forest trees. The species is rarely seen and is threatened by forest loss and hunting on Mindoro. Its presence is a good indicator of intact montane forest.
A Philippine Postal stamp from 1979 featuring the Mindoro imperial pigeon
Temperament
shy and wary
Flight Pattern
strong flier with deep wingbeats and short glides between tall trees
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, occasionally in small groups at fruiting trees. Likely monogamous, building a simple twig platform nest high in the canopy. Breeding activity corresponds with peak fruit availability in montane forests.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are low, booming coos delivered from concealed perches in the canopy. Calls carry through the forest and may be given in a slow repeated sequence, often at dawn.
Plumage
Robust imperial pigeon with a dark slate-olive back and wings, paler grey head and neck, and a subtle pinkish or vinous wash on the throat and upper breast. Underparts grade to grey with slightly paler belly. Tail shows a prominent dark subterminal band with a contrasting pale tip (zone-tailed appearance). Feathers appear smooth and satiny in good light.
Diet
Primarily feeds on fruits and berries, especially figs (Ficus) and other large-seeded forest trees. Swallows fruits whole and later disperses seeds, playing an important ecological role. May supplement diet with drupes and occasionally softer shoots when fruit is scarce.
Preferred Environment
Forages high in the canopy of mature forest and along forested ridgelines. Will visit fruiting trees in clearings or edges but generally avoids open areas.
