Alternative name: Marquesas Imperial Pigeon; Nukuhiva Imperial Pigeon
- Ducula galeata
Identification
55 cm. A large pigeon with a long tail and a large, long head.
- Glossy dark green mantle, back, rump and wing-coverts
- Dark grey head, neck and underparts
- Chestnut undertail-coverts
- White eye
- Dark red legs and feet
- Black bill and cere, cere broad and flat, covered with white feathers
Sexes similar, females are slightly smaller and duller. Juveniles have green upperparts and brownish-grey underparts.
Distribution
Endemic to Nuku Hiva in the northern Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia. Successfully introduced on Ua Huka (40 km east of Nuku Hiva).
An endangered restricted-range species, population estimated at 150 to 300 birds in 1993. Formerly much more widespread. Main threats are hunting and habitat destruction.
Taxonomy
This is a monotypic species.
Habitat
Occurs in remote forested valleys above 700 m.
Often roosting in tall trees close to cliffs.
Behaviour
Often soaring over mountain ridges in strong winds. A good flier with deep, powerful and slow wingbeats.
Diet
Feeds on fruit including guavas and fruit of Terminalia catappa (which are both modern introductions to the Marquesas).
Breeding
Nests recorded in October and May. The nest is rather large for a pigeon, made of sticks and placed in leafy trees. Lays 1 egg.
Movements
This is a resident species.
References
- Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, D. Roberson, T. A. Fredericks, B. L. Sullivan, and C. L. Wood. 2014. The eBird/Clements checklist of birds of the world: Version 6.9., with updates to August 2014. Downloaded from http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/
- Gill, F and D Donsker (Eds). 2015. IOC World Bird Names (version 5.2). Available at http://www.worldbirdnames.org/.
- Handbook of the Birds of the World Alive (retrieved June 2015)
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2024) Marquesan Imperial Pigeon. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 26 April 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Marquesan_Imperial_Pigeon
