The Timor imperial pigeon is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is found on Timor and Wetar. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Lesser Sunda Islands (Timor and Wetar)
Typical Environment
Occurs in subtropical and tropical dry forests, semi-evergreen forests, and moist montane forests, primarily using intact or lightly disturbed canopy. It is most often seen in hilly and mountainous interiors, but can also visit lower-elevation woodlands where large fruiting trees are present. The species may use forest edges and secondary growth when fruit is abundant. It typically avoids heavily urbanized or intensively farmed landscapes, relying on patches of mature trees for feeding and roosting.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This large imperial pigeon is confined to the islands of Timor and Wetar, where it favors mature forest canopies. It plays an important role as a seed disperser for many native fruiting trees, especially figs. The species is wary and often detected by its deep, resonant coos echoing from high in the canopy. Ongoing deforestation and habitat degradation are the main threats to its survival.
Temperament
wary and arboreal
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid wingbeats and direct flight between fruiting trees
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly, in pairs, or in small loose groups, especially at fruiting trees. Nests are simple stick platforms placed high in the canopy. Breeding is thought to involve a single egg per attempt, as typical for many imperial pigeons. Roosting occurs in tall trees, often communally where safe.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives deep, resonant booming coos that carry over long distances, often delivered from concealed perches high in the canopy. Calls are slow-paced and repetitive, sometimes in a series of low hoots. Vocalizations are most frequent at dawn and dusk.
Plumage
Broadly ashy to slate-grey body with a paler, often silvery-grey head and neck; darker wings and tail with a subtle pale terminal band. Underparts are slightly lighter with clean, smooth plumage. The overall look is sleek and uniform with minimal mottling.
Diet
Primarily consumes fruits, especially figs (Ficus spp.), as well as berries and drupes from native forest trees. It swallows fruits whole and later disperses seeds, contributing to forest regeneration. Occasionally takes young shoots or other plant material when fruit is scarce. Foraging is typically deliberate and methodical as it moves through the upper canopy.
Preferred Environment
Feeds high in the canopy of mature forests and at forest edges where large fruiting trees are present. Will also visit secondary growth and remnant trees in mosaic landscapes when food is abundant. Less often descends to mid-story levels.
