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New Caledonian Imperial-Pigeon
Sometimes called the Goliath Pigeon, this New Caledonia endemic is the world's largest arboreal pigeon. Because of hunting pressure in its limited range it is classified as "near threatened" by IUCN. Locally this species is considered to be an iconic symbol "king of the birds," but it is also traditionally hunted by indigenous tribes, particularly for special occasions such as the ignam feast.
Location
Parc de la Rivire Bleue, New Caledonia.
Date taken
22 September 2019
Scientific name
Ducula goliath
Equipment used
Canon PowerShot SX60 HS
A shame it is hunted, Joseph. Lovely to get two together.
 
Staff member
Opus Editor
Supporter
What a lovely pair you found.... many congratulations Joe.

Maybe it's the light, but do they have different coloured bills? Just wondering if that was the sexual difference?
 
Opus Editor
Thanks all.
Delia, the bill colors are the same between the sexes, so I suspect the difference is just light vs shadow. The only known difference is size. Males average slightly larger, but with overlap. In one study, discriminant function analysis of measurements correctly identified 74% of specimens to sex.
 

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Category
Asia, Australia & Pacific Islands
Added by
jmorlan
Date added
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