Barking Imperial Pigeon
NameBarking Imperial Pigeon
Common NameBarking Imperial Pigeon
Scientific NameDucula galeata
FamilyColumbidae
Wingspan (cm)55
Length (cm)52.5
Weight (g)950
Plumage DetailsAdults have a dark slate-grey body, wings, and tail, with a noticeably paler grey head and neck. The vent is white, and the eyes are red with a pale orbital ring.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its deep, resonant, barking calls, often described as a series of 'woof-woof-woof' or 'hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo' notes.
Primary Dietfrugivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statuscritically-endangered
Geographic RangeEndemic to the Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia, primarily found on Nuku Hiva and Ua Huka.
Identifying FeaturesLarge size, Dark slate-grey plumage, Paler grey head, Red eyes, Distinctive barking call
Description
This large, dark pigeon is characterized by its slate-grey body and noticeably paler grey head. It is an arboreal frugivore, primarily feeding on large fruits in its forest habitat. Its distinctive deep, barking calls give it its common name.
