The mountain imperial pigeon, also known as the maroon-backed imperial pigeon or Hodgson's imperial pigeon, is a species of bird in the pigeon and dove family with a wide range in southeastern Asia.
Region
South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from the foothills of the Himalayas (NE India, Nepal, Bhutan) through Myanmar and Thailand to Indochina, Peninsular Malaysia, and the Greater Sundas. It favors mature evergreen and montane forests, often along ridges and in valleys with abundant fruiting trees. Birds frequently visit forest edges and fruiting trees in secondary growth. Local movements between elevations are common in response to fruit availability.
Altitude Range
300–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This large imperial pigeon is a key seed disperser in Asian montane forests, especially for figs and other canopy trees. Its deep, booming coos carry far across valleys at dawn and dusk. It often makes altitudinal movements following fruiting trees, gathering at heavily laden figs. Despite its size, it can be surprisingly inconspicuous as it forages high in the canopy.
Subspecies insignis
Temperament
shy and wary
Flight Pattern
strong flier with deep wingbeats, interspersed with glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, but can gather in small groups at fruiting trees. Nests high in trees on a flimsy platform of twigs, typically laying a single egg. Both parents share incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A series of deep, resonant booming coos, often delivered from high perches at dawn and dusk. Notes are spaced and carry over long distances, sometimes preceded by a softer introductory coo.
Plumage
Large pigeon with a pale grey head and underparts, contrasting maroon-brown mantle and back, and dark slaty wings. The tail is dark with a prominent pale grey terminal band. A slight vinous or pinkish wash can suffuse the breast and neck in good light, with a subtle silky sheen.
Diet
Primarily eats figs (Ficus) and other soft fruits from laurels, nutmegs, and various canopy trees. Swallows fruits whole and later regurgitates seeds, aiding forest regeneration. Occasionally takes berries from shrubs at forest edges. It forages methodically, lingering at heavily fruiting trees.
Preferred Environment
Feeds high in the canopy of mature evergreen and montane forests, especially along ridges and in valleys with large fruiting trees. Also visits secondary growth, forest edges, and sometimes fruiting trees in plantations near forest.
