The spice imperial pigeon is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is endemic to Indonesia, where it occurs in the eastern Moluccas and the Raja Ampat Islands. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical mangrove forests. It eats, and is an important disperser of seeds for, fleshy fruits.
Region
Eastern Moluccas and Raja Ampat Archipelago (Wallacea, Indonesia)
Typical Environment
Found in lowland primary and secondary rainforest, coastal and riverine forests, and extensive mangrove systems. It frequents forest edges and fruiting trees and may cross narrow sea channels between islands. Roosting often occurs on small offshore islets. The species is typically tied to areas with abundant fruiting figs, nutmeg, and other large-seeded trees.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This large fruit dove is a key seed disperser for nutmeg and other canopy trees in Indonesia’s Spice Islands and Raja Ampat. It often commutes between mainland forests and offshore islets to roost, and its movements track seasonal fruiting. Its deep, booming coos carry far through lowland forests. Like many imperial pigeons, it swallows large fruits whole and disperses seeds intact.
Temperament
shy and wary
Flight Pattern
strong, direct flight
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small loose flocks around fruiting trees. It makes simple platform nests high in trees and typically lays a single egg. Communal roosting on offshore islets is common, and birds commute daily between feeding and roosting sites.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Deep, resonant, booming coos delivered in a slow series, often carrying over long distances in calm conditions. Wing claps may be heard on takeoff.
