The Philippine green pigeon is a pigeon in the genus Treron. It is endemic to the Philippines where it lives in the tropical moist lowland forests. It is part of the pompadour green pigeon complex which it was once conspecific with.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Endemic to the Philippine archipelago, it inhabits tropical moist lowland forests across major islands including Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao. It frequents primary and secondary forest, forest edges, riverine forest, mangroves, and wooded plantations with fruiting trees. The species often forages in the mid- to upper canopy and can occur in small groups where fruit is abundant. It adapts moderately well to disturbed habitats provided large fruiting trees remain. Nesting typically occurs within dense foliage in lowland to foothill zones.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A member of the pompadour green pigeon complex, this species shows clear sexual dimorphism, with males typically bearing a maroon patch on the upperparts while females are plainer green. It is an important seed disperser of native fruiting trees, especially figs, helping maintain lowland forest health. Often detected by its soft, mellow coos and the whirr of wings as small groups flush from the canopy. It generally stays high in trees and is more often heard than seen.
Catalogue of the Birds in the British Museum (1893 - 1893)
Temperament
wary and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or in small groups at fruiting trees. Builds a simple twig platform nest well concealed in foliage; both sexes likely share incubation and chick-rearing duties as in other Treron. Courtship includes soft coos and short display flights.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of soft, mellow coos and whistles, often delivered from within dense canopy and carrying poorly at distance. Calls are low-pitched and repeated at steady intervals, making the bird easier to hear than to see.
Plumage
Predominantly leaf-green with smooth, satiny plumage; males show a contrasting maroon patch on the mantle/wing coverts, while females are more uniformly green. Subtle yellowish edging on some wing feathers and a slightly paler belly are often visible. Tail shows a darker terminal band.
Diet
Primarily frugivorous, feeding on figs (Ficus), small drupes, and other soft fruits taken from the canopy. It swallows fruits whole and later disperses seeds, playing a key ecological role. Will supplement diet with buds and occasionally flowers when fruit is scarce. Foraging often occurs in small parties at heavily fruiting trees.
Preferred Environment
Mid- to upper-canopy of lowland forest, forest edges, and secondary growth with mature fruiting trees. Also visits orchards and plantations where native or introduced figs and fruiting trees are available.
