Green Imperial Pigeon

The Green Imperial Pigeon is a large, glossy-plumaged pigeon found across forested lowlands, mangroves, and islands from South Asia through Southeast Asia to the western Pacific. Its metallic green-bronze back gives it a subtly iridescent appearance in good light, distinguishing it from duller imperial pigeon relatives.

The back, wings, and tail show a glossy metallic bronze-green sheen, most visible in direct sunlight, while the head, neck, and underparts are pale grey. Flight feathers are broad and heavy, suited to strong direct flight over open water between forested islands. The tail is broad with a darker band near the tip. This combination of metallic green-bronze upperparts and pale grey underparts is the key identification feature, distinguishing it from the more uniformly maroon-brown Mountain Imperial Pigeon.

Sexes are alike, both showing the glossy green-bronze back and pale grey underparts. Juveniles are duller with reduced iridescence, gaining full metallic sheen with maturity. Molt is gradual, consistent with a largely sedentary or locally dispersive lifestyle.

Found in lowland forest, mangroves, and wooded islands from India and Sri Lanka through Southeast Asia to New Guinea and nearby islands. Many populations are resident, though island populations may show local dispersal in search of fruiting trees.

Green Imperial Pigeons feed on fruit, often flying considerable distances between islands and forest patches to reach fruiting trees. They build a stick platform nest in a tall tree. Their call is a deep, resonant, far-carrying boom. Their strong flight over open water is a notable behavioral trait among forest pigeons.