Pinon's imperial pigeon or Pinon imperial pigeon is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is found in New Guinea. The species is named after Rose de Freycinet née Pinon. Several subspecies have been designated:Ducula pinon pinon - Western Papuan Islands; Aru Islands; southern New Guinea from the Mimika River to Hall Sound. Ducula pinon rubiensis - Geelvink Bay, New Guinea to Eatna Bay Ducula pinon jobiensis (Schlegel) - Jobi Island, northern coast of New Guinea; Dampier and Vulcan Islands. Ducula pinon salvadorii (Tristram) - D'Entrecasteaux Archipelago: Fergusson and Goodenough Islands; Louisiade Archipelago : St. Aignan, Rossel and Sudest Islands.
Region
New Guinea and offshore islands
Typical Environment
Occurs throughout lowland and hill forests of New Guinea, including the Western Papuan Islands, Aru Islands, Yapen (Jobi), the D’Entrecasteaux group, and the Louisiade Archipelago. It favors primary and tall secondary rainforest, riverine and swamp forests, and mangroves. Often seen along forest edges and in village groves where large fruiting trees are present. Regular local movements link mainland habitats with nearby islets as fruiting peaks shift seasonally.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Pinon's imperial pigeon is a large canopy-dwelling fruit dove endemic to New Guinea and many nearby islands. It is named after Rose de Freycinet (née Pinon). A powerful flier, it regularly commutes between mainland forests and offshore islets to exploit seasonal fruit. As an avid frugivore, it is an important seed disperser for many rainforest trees.
Skeleton
Temperament
wary but often social around fruiting trees
Flight Pattern
strong, direct flight with deep wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically encountered singly, in pairs, or in small parties, with larger gatherings at heavily fruiting canopy trees. Nests high in the canopy on a flimsy stick platform, usually laying a single egg. Both parents share incubation and chick rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Voice is a series of deep, resonant coos and booming hoots, often delivered from high canopy perches. Calls carry well through dense forest and are most frequent at dawn and late afternoon.
Plumage
Robust imperial pigeon with pale grey head and neck, dark green to bronzy mantle and wings with a slight metallic sheen, and creamy-buff to grey underparts with a faint vinous wash on the breast. Tail is dark with a contrasting pale terminal band; flight feathers are darker and uniform.
Diet
Primarily eats large fruits and drupes, especially figs (Ficus), laurels, nutmegs, and palm fruits. Swallows fruits whole and later regurgitates or passes seeds, aiding long-distance dispersal. Will track localized fruit crops and shift areas as availability changes.
Preferred Environment
Feeds high in the canopy of primary and mature secondary rainforest, as well as in swamp forest and mangroves. Also visits forest edges, river corridors, and village gardens where fruiting trees are abundant.
