The red-knobbed imperial pigeon is a bird species in the family Columbidae. It is found in Bismarck Archipelago and the Solomon Islands archipelago. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. Red-knobbed imperial pigeons frequently forage in groups of five to ten individuals.
Region
Melanesia (Southwest Pacific)
Typical Environment
Occurs in the Bismarck Archipelago of Papua New Guinea and across the Solomon Islands archipelago. It inhabits subtropical and tropical moist lowland and hill forests, favoring mature canopy but also using secondary growth, forest edges, and coastal woodland. Birds frequently commute between forested mainland and small offshore islets to roost or forage. It is occasionally seen in village gardens with large fruiting trees and sometimes along mangroves and riverine corridors.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A large canopy-dwelling fruit pigeon of Melanesia, it is named for the distinctive red fleshy knobs at the base of its bill. It often gathers in small groups at fruiting trees and is an important seed disperser for native forest plants. Although generally shy in dense forest, it may cross water between nearby islands to reach seasonal food sources.
A red-knobbed imperial pigeon at Zoo Miami.
Temperament
wary and alert, social when feeding
Flight Pattern
strong direct flight with rapid, powerful wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often forages in loose groups of five to ten birds at fruiting trees, and may roost communally. Builds a simple stick platform high in the canopy and typically lays a single egg. Both parents share incubation and chick rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives deep, resonant cooing notes typical of imperial pigeons, often delivered in spaced series. Calls carry through the canopy and are most frequent at dawn and late afternoon.
