The Polynesian imperial pigeon or Society Islands pigeon is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is endemic to French Polynesia. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
South Pacific (French Polynesia, Society Islands)
Typical Environment
Occurs in remaining tracts of subtropical and tropical moist lowland and montane forest, including valleys, ridges, and mature secondary forest. It favors areas with abundant fruiting trees and figs, and may visit forest edges and traditional agroforests when native food is available. The species is now patchily distributed due to deforestation and hunting. It generally keeps to canopy and mid-story strata, descending rarely except to drink or access specific fruiting shrubs.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A large fruit-eating pigeon of the Society Islands in French Polynesia, it plays a key role dispersing the seeds of native rainforest trees. It has suffered from habitat loss and introduced predators, leading to major declines and local extirpations. Its deep, resonant cooing carries through forested valleys at dawn and dusk.
Temperament
shy and wary
Flight Pattern
strong flier with direct, powerful wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, occasionally in small loose groups at fruiting trees. Nests high in trees on a simple twig platform, typically laying a single egg. Breeding pairs defend the immediate nest area but may tolerate neighbors at rich food sources.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of deep, booming coos, often delivered from concealed perches in the canopy. Calls carry far through forested valleys, most frequent at dawn and late afternoon.
Plumage
Robust imperial pigeon with a pale grey to whitish head and neck, contrasting darker slate-olive mantle and wings with a subtle green-bronze sheen; underparts are mostly pale grey to creamy with darker undertail. Tail is dark with a faint pale terminal band. Overall appearance is clean and smooth-plumaged, with slight iridescence on the upperparts.
Diet
Primarily consumes fruits and drupes from native forest trees, especially figs and other large-seeded species. It swallows fruits whole and later disperses seeds over wide areas, making it an important forest regenerator. Occasionally takes berries from secondary growth and may ingest small amounts of leaves or buds.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly in the canopy and upper mid-story of mature forest, moving between fruiting trees along ridgelines and valley slopes. Will visit forest edges and traditional orchards when native fruit is plentiful, but avoids open areas.
