The Sri Lankan wood pigeon or Ceylon wood pigeon is a pigeon which is an endemic resident breeding bird in the mountains of Sri Lanka.
Region
Sri Lankan Central Highlands
Typical Environment
This pigeon inhabits evergreen montane and cloud forests, favoring mature canopy and adjacent secondary growth. It uses forest edges, clearings with fruiting trees, and occasionally well-wooded gardens near intact habitat. Birds spend much of their time in the mid- to upper canopy, moving between fruiting trees. They are most frequently recorded in protected areas within the highland massif.
Altitude Range
900–2400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Sri Lanka wood pigeon is confined to the island’s misty central highlands, where it favors dense montane and cloud forests. It is typically shy and keeps to the canopy but will descend to fruiting shrubs at forest edges. Its deep, resonant hooting carries far in still morning air and is often the easiest way to detect it. Habitat loss and forest fragmentation are the main threats to this species.
Temperament
shy and wary
Flight Pattern
strong flier with swift, purposeful wingbeats through forest gaps
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small loose groups at fruiting trees. Nests are simple stick platforms placed on horizontal branches within dense forest. Breeding pairs are territorial around nest sites and communicate with deep hoots. Clutch size is typically a single egg, as in many large pigeons.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A deep, resonant series of hoots delivered at measured intervals, often heard at dawn and dusk. The call carries far through the forest and can sound mournful or owl-like.
