Zoe's imperial pigeon or Zoe imperial pigeon, also known as the banded imperial pigeon, is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is found in New Guinea. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest, subtropical or tropical mangrove forest, and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.
Region
New Guinea
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across New Guinea, from coastal mangroves and lowland rainforests to foothill and lower montane forests. It frequents mature primary forest but also uses secondary growth, forest edges, and riverine forest when fruiting trees are available. Birds spend most of their time in the upper canopy and may descend to mid-levels at fruiting trees. Local movements follow seasonal fruit availability, including in mangrove belts near coasts.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A large fruit-dove of New Guinea’s forests, Zoe’s imperial pigeon is also called the banded imperial pigeon for the dark band across its chest. It is an important seed disperser for many rainforest trees, especially figs. Typically quiet and elusive in the high canopy, it is more often heard by its deep, resonant coos than seen. The species is currently considered common across much of its range.
Temperament
shy and canopy-dwelling
Flight Pattern
strong flier with swift, direct wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or in small loose groups at fruiting trees. Nests are simple twig platforms placed high in trees, where a single egg is typically laid. Both parents share incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives deep, resonant cooing notes that carry through the forest, often delivered from concealed perches. Calls may be given at dawn and dusk in a slow, rhythmic series. Wing claps may be heard when flushing from the canopy.
Plumage
Robust imperial pigeon with a smooth gray head and neck, dark slaty upperparts with a slight greenish gloss, and pale underparts divided by a conspicuous dark pectoral band. Tail is dark with a broad darker terminal band; undertail coverts often contrastingly pale. Overall appearance is clean and banded, with a stout pigeon bill.
Diet
Primarily eats fruit, especially figs (Ficus), nutmeg relatives (Myristica), and various drupes and berries. It swallows fruits whole and disperses seeds over long distances. Occasionally supplements its diet with young shoots or invertebrates incidentally taken with fruit.
Preferred Environment
Feeds high in the forest canopy at fruiting trees, often moving along ridgelines and river corridors. Also visits mangroves and forest edges when fruit is abundant.
