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.
Plumage
Slate-grey overall with a vinous-pink to mauve breast and finely scaled, checkered patterning on the hindneck. Upperparts are darker with subtle gloss; tail shows a contrasting pale terminal band. Underparts become greyer toward the belly with smooth, sleek feathering.
Diet
Primarily feeds on fruits and berries from native forest trees such as laurels and figs. It swallows small fruits whole and may occasionally take seeds. Foraging is often deliberate, moving tree to tree to exploit seasonal fruiting. Grit may be ingested to aid digestion.
Preferred Environment
Forages high in the canopy at fruiting trees, descending to mid-story or edges when food is abundant there. It frequents undisturbed forest but can use adjacent secondary growth if fruiting resources persist.
