The pied imperial pigeon is a relatively large, pied species of pigeon. It is found in forest, woodland, mangrove, plantations and scrub in Southeast Asia, ranging from Myanmar and Thailand, throughout Indonesia and east to the Philippines and the Bird's Head Peninsula in New Guinea. It is mainly found on small islands and in coastal regions. It remains locally common, and is therefore considered to be of least concern by BirdLife International and IUCN.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from coastal Myanmar and Thailand through the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo, Sulawesi, and many Indonesian islands, east to the Philippines and the Bird’s Head Peninsula of New Guinea. It favors small islands and coastal zones but also visits adjacent mainland forests. Habitats include mangroves, beach forest, lowland rainforest edges, plantations, and scrub. It readily crosses channels between islands and may roost communally on offshore islets. Tolerant of moderately disturbed habitats where fruiting trees are available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This large, striking pigeon is a key disperser of tropical fruit trees, often flying long distances between small offshore islands and mainland forests. It frequently nests in mangroves and on tiny islets, placing a flimsy platform nest and laying a single egg. Flocks can commute over open water at dawn and dusk to reach fruiting trees. It was long confused with closely related imperial pigeons, but its clean white body with black flight feathers is distinctive.
Pied imperial pigeon at the National Aviary. Notice the lack of black spotting to the undertail coverts.
Pied imperial pigeon at the Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium. Note a lack of silver markings on the flight feathers.
Temperament
social and wary
Flight Pattern
strong direct flier
Social Behavior
Often seen in small flocks that gather at fruiting trees and commute between islands and mainland edges. Nests singly or in loose colonies, typically in mangroves or coastal trees, on a simple stick platform. Pairs are monogamous and usually raise a single chick per clutch.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Voice is a series of deep, resonant coos, often a repeated oo-wooo or woop-woop carrying over water at dawn and dusk. Calls can include soft grunts and booming notes during display flights.
