The Sumatran green pigeon is a species of bird in the pigeon family, Columbidae. First described by the Dutch zoologist Coenraad Jacob Temminck in 1823, it is endemic to Indonesia, where it is found in Sumatra and western Java. It inhabits the canopy of dense hill and montane forest and has been recorded at elevations of 350 to 1,800 m on Sumatra and 600 to 3,000 m on Java. The Sumatran green pigeon is a relatively slender species with a long wedge-shaped tail and an adult length of 29.0–34.1 cm (11.4–13.4 in) in males and 27.7–29.0 cm (10.9–11.4 in) in females. Adult males have a dark green head and body, bright yellow lower belly and undertail-coverts, dark grey tail, and bluish-green unfeathered patches on the face. Adult females are duller and have no grey on the back of the neck, a fainter orange wash on the breast, and no orange markings on the crown or the bend of the wing.
Region
Greater Sunda Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs in upland forests of Sumatra and western Java, where it favors the canopy and subcanopy of primary hill and montane forest. It also uses mature secondary forest, forest edges, and ridgelines with fruiting trees. Birds concentrate at fig trees and other seasonally fruiting species along valleys and stream corridors. It is uncommon in heavily disturbed areas and rarely descends far into the lowlands except near foothills.
Altitude Range
350–3000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A canopy specialist of Sumatra and western Java, it is often first detected by its mellow whistles and the whir of wings as flocks lift from fruiting trees. The species plays an important role as a seed disperser, especially for figs (Ficus). Its cryptic green plumage makes it difficult to spot against dense foliage, and sexes differ subtly in coloration. It is sensitive to extensive forest loss and fragmentation in its upland range.
Temperament
shy and canopy-dwelling
Flight Pattern
swift, direct flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small groups, with larger gatherings at heavily fruiting trees. Nests are simple twig platforms placed on horizontal branches in the mid to upper forest strata. Clutch is typically one to two eggs, with both parents sharing incubation and chick-rearing duties. Outside the breeding season, forms loose flocks that move locally between fruiting sites.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, mellow whistles and low cooing phrases that carry through the canopy. Contact calls are nasal, whistled notes given in flight or while foraging.
