The silvery pigeon, also known as silvery wood-pigeon or grey wood-pigeon, is a species of pigeon found in Indonesia and Malaysia. It was thought to be extinct but wild populations rediscovered in 2008 near Masokut Island of the Mentawai archipelago might represent this species, and photographs from Simeulue confirm its existence there.
Region
Sundaic islands of western Indonesia and adjacent Malaysia
Typical Environment
Occurs on small offshore islands and coastal islets, especially around western Sumatra (e.g., Simeulue, Mentawai) and historically parts of the Riau/Natuna region, with occasional records from nearby Malaysian islands. It favors coastal and lowland evergreen forest, beach forest, and mangrove edges, often roosting and feeding high in the canopy. The species may visit orchards and village edges when fruiting trees are available but generally avoids heavily urbanized areas. Habitat fragmentation and disturbance on small islands strongly constrain its distribution. Persistence is tied to intact stands of fruiting trees and minimal hunting pressure.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 300 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Long considered possibly extinct, the silvery pigeon was rediscovered in the 2000s on small islands off western Sumatra, with photographs from Simeulue confirming its persistence. It is easily confused with pale imperial pigeons, but shows a broad black tail-band and black primaries contrasting with its pale body. The species is highly vulnerable to hunting and trapping as well as loss of coastal forest and mangroves. Conservation attention focuses on protecting small offshore islets and educating local communities.
Temperament
shy and wary
Flight Pattern
direct flight with rapid, powerful wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small parties, often commuting between roost and feeding trees. Nests are presumed to be simple twig platforms placed high in trees, as in many pigeons, with a typical clutch of one egg. Roosting often occurs in coastal trees and mangrove margins where disturbance is low.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, low coos delivered in short series from concealed perches. Also gives quiet grunts and contact calls when moving between fruiting trees.
Plumage
Uniform pale silvery-grey body with smooth, satin-like appearance; contrasting black primaries and a broad black terminal tail-band.
Diet
Primarily frugivorous, taking a wide range of soft fruits and berries, including figs (Ficus) and fruits of coastal forest trees. It swallows small fruits whole and may disperse seeds across islets. Seeds and buds are taken opportunistically, and it may glean fallen fruit under trees when undisturbed. Feeding bouts are often brief and cautious due to hunting pressure.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly in the upper and mid-canopy of coastal forest, beach forest, and mangrove edges. Will visit fruiting trees in secondary growth and occasionally orchards near villages when available.
