The pink-necked green pigeon is a species of bird of the pigeon and dove family, Columbidae. It is a common species of Southeast Asia, found from Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam south through to the major islands of Indonesia and the Philippines. It is a medium-sized pigeon with predominantly green plumage; only the male has the pink neck that gives the species its name. The species lives in a wide range of forested and human-modified habitats and is particularly found in open habitats. Its diet is dominated by fruit, in particular figs. Pairs lay two eggs in a flimsy twig nest in a tree, shrub, or hedge, and work together to incubate the eggs and raise the chicks. The species is thought to be an important disperser of fruit seeds. The species has adapted well to human changes to the environment, and can be found in crowded cities as long as fruiting trees are present.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Myanmar and Thailand through Cambodia and Vietnam into Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore, and widely across Indonesia (Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Bali and many smaller islands) and the Philippines. It favors lowland habitats including forest edges, secondary growth, mangroves, open woodlands, plantations, and urban parks. The species readily inhabits towns and cities wherever fruiting trees—especially figs—are present. Often seen in small groups feeding high in the canopy or perched conspicuously on exposed branches and wires near fruiting trees.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Only the male sports the namesake pink-lilac neck and orange breast; females are mostly green for camouflage. The species is a prolific consumer of figs and other soft fruits and is an important seed disperser across Southeast Asian forests and cities. It adapts well to urban areas provided fruiting trees are available, and often gathers at communal roosts.
Recently fledged chicks
Male on Rakata in Krakatoa
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small flocks, sometimes forming larger groups at fruiting trees and communal roosts. Nests are flimsy twig platforms placed in trees, shrubs, or hedges. Both parents incubate the usual clutch of two eggs and feed the young with crop milk.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, mellow coos interspersed with low whistles. Calls are repeated in series and carry from canopy perches, especially at dawn and late afternoon.
