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Overview
Sri Lanka green pigeon

Sri Lanka green pigeon

Wikipedia

The Pompadour green pigeon, Sri Lanka green pigeon or Ceylon green pigeon is a pigeon in the genus Treron. In Sri Lanka, this bird and several other green pigeon are known as bata goya in the Sinhala language. It is found in the forests of Sri Lanka. Many authorities split the species from the pompadour green pigeon complex.

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Distribution

Region

Sri Lanka (South Asia)

Typical Environment

Occurs widely across Sri Lanka in well-wooded habitats, including lowland rainforests, dry-zone forests, riverine woodland, and mature gardens and plantations. It favors the upper canopy and often gathers at fruiting fig trees. It also uses forest edges and secondary growth where large fruiting trees persist. Absent only from the most treeless areas and the highest exposed montane zones.

Altitude Range

0–1600 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size25–29 cm
Wing Span40–45 cm
Male Weight0.22 kg
Female Weight0.2 kg
Life Expectancy8 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

This island endemic is the Sri Lankan representative of the former Pompadour green pigeon complex. It is a canopy-dwelling frugivore that plays an important role in dispersing native forest seeds, especially figs. Males show a distinctive maroon mantle, while females are plainer green, making sexing in the field straightforward. Its mellow hoots and whistles often reveal its presence high in fruiting trees.

Gallery

Bird photo
Bird photo

Behaviour

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

fast, direct flight with rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Usually seen in pairs or small flocks, sometimes larger groups at abundant fruit. Builds a flimsy twig platform high in trees; both sexes participate in incubation and chick rearing. Typical clutch is two white eggs. Roosting often occurs communally in dense canopy.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Gives mellow, far-carrying hoots and soft whistles, often in repeated two- or three-note phrases. Calls are most frequent at dawn and late afternoon and can carry through dense foliage.

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