Scientific Name
Caloenas nicobarica
Other Common Name(s)
Nicobar Dove, Hackled Pigeon
Body Weight
Up to 600 g
Body Length
Up to 38 cm
Habitat
Diet
Fun Facts
Nicobar pigeons are some of the largest pigeons with a vibrant plumage. They are nomadic and fly from island to island to look for food.
Nicobar pigeons can digest hard seeds and nuts with their muscular stomachs lined with horny plates. They may even swallow sand and small stones to help grind their food, as if they have a built-in mill for their meals!
Distribution
Islands in Southeast Asian countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Solomon Islands
Threats & Conservation
Threats & Conservation
Overexploitation of Biological Resources
Invasive Species & Diseases
Nicobar pigeons are captured as food or pets. As forests are cleared for agriculture, they have lost some habitats for foraging and breeding. Exotic species such as rats and cats may also prey on these birds.
IUCN Red List
Near Threatened
CITES
Appendix I
Conservation Regulations
Protected under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) in Hong Kong.
