The Nilgiri wood pigeon is a large pigeon found in the moist deciduous forests and sholas of the Western Ghats in southwestern India. They are mainly frugivorous and forage in the canopy of dense hill forests. They are best identified in the field by their large size, dark colours and the distinctive checkerboard pattern on their nape.
Region
Western Ghats, southwestern India
Typical Environment
Occurs along the Western Ghats from southern Maharashtra through Karnataka and Kerala to the Nilgiri and Anaimalai hills of Tamil Nadu. It favors evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, sholas, and moist deciduous tracts with abundant fruiting trees. Birds typically keep to dense upper canopy but may use forest edges and well-wooded plantations (e.g., shade coffee) when fruit is plentiful. It relies on continuous or well-connected mature forest to move between fruiting sites.
Altitude Range
600–2200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Endemic to India’s Western Ghats, the Nilgiri wood pigeon is a canopy-dwelling frugivore and an important seed disperser for native forest trees. It is shy and often detected by its deep, booming calls rather than seen. Habitat loss and fragmentation have driven declines, and it is considered Vulnerable. Protecting mature evergreen and shola forests is crucial for its survival.
Nilgiri wood pigeon photographed at Munnar, Kerala
Postage stamp in India depicting the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon.
Temperament
shy and wary
Flight Pattern
strong flier with short, rapid wingbeats and direct dashes between canopy gaps
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, but small groups gather at heavily fruiting trees. Likely monogamous, building a flimsy stick platform high in trees where a single white egg is laid. Adults keep to the canopy and retreat quickly when disturbed.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of deep, resonant hoots that carry through forested valleys, often delivered from a concealed perch. Calls are repetitive and measured, sometimes preceded by a low booming note.
Plumage
Large, dark slaty-brown pigeon with a vinous-grey wash on the breast and a distinctive black-and-white checkered (scaled) nape. Upperparts are dusky with subtle gloss; underparts grey-brown. Tail is dark with a paler subterminal band.
Diet
Primarily consumes fruits and berries, especially figs (Ficus) and drupes from native evergreen forest trees. Swallows fruits whole and later regurgitates or passes seeds, aiding forest regeneration. May occasionally take buds or tender shoots when fruit is scarce. Foraging is deliberate, moving between known fruiting trees.
Preferred Environment
Feeds high in the canopy of evergreen and shola forests, occasionally along edges and in shade-grown plantations when fruiting trees are available. Often uses secluded, dense crowns to remain concealed while feeding.
