Pin-tailed Green Pigeon

The Pin-tailed Green Pigeon is a forest pigeon of the eastern Himalayan foothills and Southeast Asia, notable for its elongated central tail feathers that create a distinctive pin-like projection. It forages in fruiting canopy trees, its green plumage offering excellent camouflage among leaves.

The two central tail feathers are markedly elongated and pointed, extending well past the rest of the tail to create a needle-like projection unique among regional green pigeons. Body plumage is green overall, with a grey crown and nape and an orange wash across the breast in males. Flight feathers are green-grey with fine pale edging. This elongated pin-tail shape is the definitive identification feature for the species.

Males show a brighter orange breast wash than females, which are duller and more uniformly green. Both sexes share the elongated pin-tail, though it may be slightly longer in males. Juveniles have shorter central tail feathers that lengthen as the bird matures. Molt is gradual, consistent with the region's seasonal but not migratory climate for this species.

Found in broadleaf forest and forest edge across the eastern Himalayan foothills, northeastern India, and into Southeast Asia. Some populations show altitudinal or local movements linked to fruit availability, while others remain resident.

Pin-tailed Green Pigeons feed on fruit in the canopy, often in small flocks at fruiting trees. They build a flimsy stick platform nest in a tree. Their call is a series of soft, whistling notes typical of green pigeons. The long pin-tail is often visible even at a distance, aiding identification in flight or while perched.