The yellow-footed green pigeon, also known as yellow-legged green pigeon, is a common species of green pigeon found in the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia. It is the state bird of Maharashtra. In Marathi, it is called Haroli or Hariyal. It is known as Haitha in Upper Assam and Haitol in Lower Assam. The species feeds on fruit, including many species of Ficus. They forage in flocks. They are habitat generalists: in the early morning, they are often seen sunning on the tops of emergent trees in dense forest areas, especially Banyan trees, but they have also been spotted in natural remnants in urban areas. Their population is currently increasing.
Region
Indian Subcontinent and western Indochina
Typical Environment
Found widely across the Indian subcontinent including Pakistan, India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, extending into parts of Myanmar and western Indochina. It occupies dry and moist deciduous forests, wooded savannas, riverine forests, orchards, and village groves. The species readily uses city parks and avenues where large fruiting trees (especially Ficus) are present. It is generally a lowland bird but can occur on foothill slopes where fruiting trees are abundant.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The yellow-footed green pigeon (Hariyal) is the state bird of Maharashtra and is often seen basking on the tops of banyan and peepal trees in early morning sun. Highly frugivorous, it is an important seed disperser for figs and other native trees. It commonly forages in small to large flocks and adapts well to wooded farmlands and urban green spaces.
At Punjab Bhavan, New Delhi.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift, direct flight
Social Behavior
Often seen in small to large flocks that move between fruiting trees. Pairs form during the breeding season and build a flimsy stick platform high in trees. Typically lays two white eggs, with both sexes sharing incubation and chick rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives soft, mellow coos and whistled whoo notes, often delivered from the canopy. Calls are low, resonant, and can carry surprisingly far in still morning air.
