The Pacific imperial pigeon, Pacific pigeon, Pacific fruit pigeon or lupe is a widespread pigeon species in the family Columbidae. It is found in American Samoa, the Cook Islands, the smaller islands of eastern Fiji, Kiribati, Niue, the smaller satellite islands of Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Wallis and Futuna Islands.
Region
Western and Central Pacific (Polynesia and Melanesia)
Typical Environment
Occurs across numerous Pacific island groups including Samoa, Tonga, Fiji (smaller islands), Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Tokelau, Niue, Wallis and Futuna, and nearby archipelagos. Prefers native tropical moist forest, coastal and limestone forest, and forest edges. Frequently visits secondary growth, village groves, and plantations when fruiting trees are abundant. Breeding often occurs on small predator-poor islets, with birds commuting to larger islands to forage. Uses the upper canopy but will descend to mid-levels when feeding.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the lupe in Polynesia, this large fruit pigeon is a key seed disperser for Pacific island forests. It often commutes between small offshore islets (where it may nest) and larger islands to feed. Populations have been affected by hunting on some islands, but it remains widespread overall. Its deep, resonant calls carry far across coastal forests at dawn and dusk.
Temperament
generally wary but can be confiding on predator-free islets
Flight Pattern
strong, direct flier with powerful wingbeats; capable of crossing open water between islands
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small feeding groups at fruiting trees; larger flocks may gather at communal roosts or during island commutes. Nests high in trees on a simple stick platform, typically laying a single egg. Both parents share incubation and chick-rearing. Breeding timing varies by island and fruit availability.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Gives deep, booming coos delivered in a slow series that carries over long distances. Calls are most prominent at dawn and dusk and may include a resonant hoo-hoo-hoo sequence.
