The Nicobar pigeon or Nicobar dove is a bird found on small islands and in coastal regions from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India, east through the Indonesian Archipelago, to the Solomons and Palau. It is the only living member of the genus Caloenas alongside the extinct spotted green pigeon and Kanaka pigeon, and is the closest living relative of the extinct dodo and Rodrigues solitaire.
Region
Southeast Asia and Western Pacific
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands east through coastal Myanmar and Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia, to New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Palau. It favors small offshore islands, limestone and coral islets, and coastal forests, as well as mangroves and beach thickets. Birds typically roost communally on predator-free islets and fly to larger islands or mainland coasts to forage. It can adapt to coconut plantations and secondary growth where hunting pressure is low. Local abundance varies with disturbance and predator presence.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 700 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Nicobar pigeon is the closest living relative of the extinct dodo and Rodrigues solitaire. Its gleaming iridescent neck hackles and pure white tail are distinctive; the white tail may help flocks keep visual contact in dim island forests. It often roosts on small predator-free islets and commutes daily to larger islands to feed. Hunted for food and for its gizzard stones, it is threatened by habitat loss and introduced predators.
Temperament
social and wary
Flight Pattern
strong, direct flier
Social Behavior
Roosts and travels in loose flocks, often commuting between roost islets and feeding areas at dawn and dusk. Forms monogamous pairs during breeding; both sexes build a flimsy twig platform nest in low trees or shrubs. Typically lays a single egg, with both parents incubating and feeding the chick with crop milk. Flock cohesion is maintained visually and vocally during flights over water.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are deep, resonant coos and soft grunts, often delivered from cover. In flight, wingbeats can produce an audible clatter, especially during rapid departures.
