The white-naped pigeon is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is native to the Western High Plateau, the Adamawa and Bongo massifs and the Albertine Rift montane forests on the other.
Region
West-Central Africa
Typical Environment
Primarily inhabits montane and submontane evergreen forests and mature secondary forest, often near ridges and along forested valleys. It occurs across the Western High Plateau and Adamawa Plateau of Cameroon, the Bongo Massif region, and eastward into the Albertine Rift montane forests. Birds favor areas with abundant fruiting trees and may visit forest edges and clearings to feed. It generally avoids heavily disturbed lowland habitats and open farmland. Encounter rates are highest where intact canopy persists.
Altitude Range
800–2800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This elusive forest pigeon is most easily recognized by the crisp white patch on the back of its neck, which contrasts with its otherwise dark plumage. It spends much of its time high in the canopy and is often detected by its deep, booming coos rather than by sight. The species relies heavily on fruiting trees, especially figs, making it sensitive to forest loss and degradation.
Temperament
shy and wary
Flight Pattern
fast, direct flight with strong wingbeats, weaving through the canopy
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, but small groups gather at fruiting trees. Nests are simple stick platforms placed on horizontal branches within dense forest. Breeding is likely synchronized with peak fruit availability, and both sexes participate in nest duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of deep, resonant cooing notes delivered in spaced sequences, often carrying far through montane forest. Calls are most frequent at dawn and in the late afternoon and can be the best clue to presence.
Plumage
Dark slate-grey to brownish-grey body with a clean white patch on the nape forming a half-collar; slight greenish to purplish iridescence on the sides of the neck. Underparts are dark grey, and wings are uniformly dusky with subtle sheen. Tail is dark with minimal banding.
Diet
Feeds mainly on soft fruits and berries, especially figs (Ficus spp.), along with drupes from native forest trees. Also takes seeds and occasionally ingests grit to aid digestion. Foraging is mostly in the mid to upper canopy, where it plucks fruit directly, sometimes descending to edges when trees are fruiting.
Preferred Environment
Frequents fruiting trees within mature montane forest and along forest edges, ridgelines, and gaps. Will visit secondary growth if large fruiting trees remain, but avoids open fields and heavily disturbed areas.
