The pale-capped pigeon, also known as the purple wood pigeon, is a species of large pigeon that is found patchily distributed in parts of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It has a slow flight and spends a lot of time sitting still in the foliage of large fruiting trees, often in riverine forest on the plains. It is mainly brown above and chestnut below with the a sheen of green or amethyst. Males have a whitish grey cap while females have a brownish grey cap and less gloss on the feathers. They are frugivores, foraging in small groups in the canopy of trees but sometimes descending to the ground for seeds and fallen fruit.
Region
South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily from Northeast India and Bangladesh through Myanmar to western Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. It favors lowland riverine, evergreen, and semi-evergreen forests, especially areas with tall fruiting figs and other canopy trees. Birds often remain high in the canopy but may visit forest edges, secondary growth, and orchards when fruiting is abundant. Local occurrence can be transient, tracking fruit availability, and the species avoids heavily disturbed habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the purple wood pigeon, this shy canopy-dweller is often overlooked because it sits motionless in the crowns of large fruiting trees. Males show a distinctive pale whitish-grey cap, while females have a browner cap and duller gloss. It plays an important role as a seed disperser but is threatened by hunting and the loss of lowland riverine forests.
Temperament
shy and wary
Flight Pattern
slow, powerful wingbeats; short canopy-to-canopy flights
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in small, loose groups that gather at fruiting trees. Nests high in the canopy on a flimsy platform of twigs; clutch typically one egg. Displays include bowing and cooing from prominent perches within the canopy.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are deep, resonant coos delivered from concealed perches, often a low, booming series. Calls carry at dawn and dusk but are generally infrequent and easily missed.
Plumage
Rich brown upperparts with a purplish sheen and deep chestnut underparts; neck and mantle show metallic green to amethyst gloss. Males have a pale whitish-grey cap; females have a duller, brownish-grey cap with less gloss.
Diet
Primarily consumes soft fruits, especially figs (Ficus) and other canopy fruits, and will also take berries and large seeds. It swallows fruits whole and helps disperse seeds across riverine forests. Occasionally descends to the ground or lower branches to pick fallen fruit and seeds.
Preferred Environment
Forages mainly in the upper canopy of large fruiting trees within riverine and evergreen forests. Also visits forest edges, secondary growth, and plantations when fruit is abundant.
