The yellow-vented green pigeon, also known as Seimunds's Pintail Pigeon, is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is found in Laos, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest, subtropical or tropical mangrove forest, and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs in Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, and Peninsular Malaysia, where it inhabits moist lowland forests, forest edges, mangroves, and foothill to montane evergreen forests. It favors areas with abundant fruiting trees, particularly figs and other native fruiting species. The species also uses secondary growth and semi-open woodland when fruit resources are available. It generally keeps to the mid- to upper canopy and may visit forest clearings or edges to feed.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The yellow-vented green pigeon is a canopy-dwelling fruit specialist that often goes unnoticed as it feeds quietly among dense foliage. Males typically show slightly brighter tones than females, but both sexes share the distinctive yellow vent. Like many green pigeons, it is an important seed disperser for forest trees, especially figs. It is generally shy and more easily detected at fruiting trees.
Temperament
shy and canopy-oriented
Flight Pattern
direct flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small groups, especially at fruiting trees. Builds a simple platform nest of twigs in the canopy, where 1–2 eggs are laid. Both parents participate in incubation and chick rearing. Outside the breeding season, small flocks may form around reliable fruit sources.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, low coos and mellow whistles delivered from within foliage. Calls are repetitive and subdued, making the bird easier to hear than to see.
Plumage
Overall green to olive-green with a distinctly yellow vent and undertail coverts; wings show darker green with paler edging. The head and neck can appear slightly paler or grey-washed, especially in males. Underparts are greenish with a yellow tinge toward the belly and vent. Tail is green with darker terminal banding.
Diet
Primarily eats fruit, especially figs (Ficus), small berries, and drupes, which it swallows whole. It occasionally supplements its diet with other soft fruits from forest trees and shrubs. By passing seeds intact, it plays a key role in forest regeneration. Feeding is opportunistic and tracks seasonal fruit availability.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly in the mid- to upper canopy of evergreen forests and along forest edges. It also visits secondary growth, mangroves, and fruiting trees in semi-open areas when resources are abundant. Quiet behavior and green plumage help it remain concealed while feeding.
