The Sumba green pigeon is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is endemic to Sumba Island in Indonesia. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Lesser Sunda Islands
Typical Environment
Restricted to Sumba Island, where it inhabits subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests. It favors mature evergreen and semi-evergreen forests with abundant fruiting trees, especially figs. The species also forages along forest edges and in secondary growth when fruit is available, but it depends on sizeable forest patches. It is largely arboreal, moving between fruiting trees in the canopy.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This elusive green pigeon is found only on Sumba Island in Indonesia and spends most of its time high in the canopy. It plays an important role in seed dispersal for native fruiting trees, especially figs. Ongoing forest clearance on Sumba threatens its habitat, making intact lowland forest crucial for its survival.
Temperament
shy and arboreal
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small groups at fruiting trees. It nests in trees, building a simple platform of twigs. Pairs are monogamous during the breeding period and share incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Soft, low cooing notes delivered from concealed perches high in the canopy. Calls are subdued and can be easily overlooked amid forest sounds.
Plumage
Mostly leafy green with paler green underparts and a slightly greyer wash on the head and neck. The wings show darker green flight feathers with subtle yellowish edging. Underparts are smooth and unspotted, with clean color transitions and a neat, compact appearance.
Diet
Primarily frugivorous, feeding on figs (Ficus) and other soft fruits. It swallows small fruits whole and helps disperse seeds across the forest. When fruit is abundant, it may visit the same trees repeatedly and feed methodically. It seldom takes other food items, though occasional buds or berries may be consumed.
Preferred Environment
Forages high in the canopy of mature forest and along edges with fruiting trees. It may venture into secondary forest and wooded gardens if fruiting trees are present.
