The pin-tailed green pigeon or pin-tailed pigeon is a species of bird in the family Columbidae native to Southeast Asia.
Region
Eastern Himalayas and Indochina
Typical Environment
Found from the foothills of Northeast India through Myanmar into Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and adjacent southern China. It favors evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, forest edges, secondary growth, and bamboo groves. The species is most often seen in the mid to upper canopy, especially around fruiting fig and laurel trees. It may also visit orchards and wooded gardens near forest. Local movements follow fruit availability.
Altitude Range
100–2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This subtly colored green pigeon is a canopy-dwelling frugivore that plays an important role in seed dispersal across Southeast Asian forests. Its name comes from the elongated, pointed central tail feathers that give the tail a pin-like look. Males show richer shoulder coloration than females, which are more uniformly green. It often gathers quietly at fruiting figs, where it can be overlooked despite being fairly common.
Pin-tailed green pigeon
Artist's illustration
Temperament
social and shy
Flight Pattern
fast, direct flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small flocks, especially at fruiting trees. Monogamous pairs build a flimsy twig platform nest placed in dense foliage. Typical clutch size is two white eggs, with both parents sharing incubation and chick rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of soft, mellow coos and low hoots delivered from within the canopy. Calls are unobtrusive and can be hard to localize, aiding its tendency to remain undetected. Vocalizations often accompany feeding or early morning activity.
Plumage
Predominantly soft green with yellowish tones, a clean, smooth-looking plumage suited to foliage camouflage. Males typically show a richer maroon-tinged shoulder/wing patch and a slightly greyer crown, while females are more uniformly green. The tail is long and tapered with pointed central feathers that produce the characteristic pin-tailed profile.
Diet
Primarily feeds on a variety of fruits and berries, with figs (Ficus) and laurels being especially important. It swallows small fruits whole and helps disperse seeds through its droppings, contributing to forest regeneration. Occasionally supplements diet with young shoots and other soft plant matter. Foraging is usually quiet and deliberate, with brief flights between fruiting trees.
Preferred Environment
Most often forages in the mid to upper canopy of evergreen and semi-evergreen forests. Frequently visits fruiting trees along forest edges, riversides, and in secondary growth, and may enter orchards when wild fruit is scarce.
