Chatham Islands Pigeon
NameChatham Islands Pigeon
Common NameChatham Islands Pigeon
Scientific NameHemiphaga chathamensis
FamilyColumbidae
Wingspan (cm)70
Length (cm)52.5
Weight (g)700
Plumage DetailsHead, neck, and upper back are iridescent green and bronze, shifting to dark grey-green on the lower back and primary wing feathers. The belly and undertail coverts are pure white. Secondary wing feathers are greyish-blue. It has a red bill with a yellow tip, red legs and feet, and a distinctive red eye-ring.
Vocalization / CallGenerally a quiet bird, it produces soft cooing sounds, particularly during courtship. Its flight is often accompanied by a distinctive 'whoosh' sound from its wings.
Primary Dietfrugivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusvulnerable
Geographic RangeEndemic to the Chatham Islands, an archipelago located approximately 800 kilometers east of New Zealand.
Identifying Featureslarge size, iridescent green and bronze upperparts, pure white belly, red bill with yellow tip, red legs, red eye-ring
Description
The Chatham Islands Pigeon is a large, plump pigeon endemic to the Chatham Islands. It exhibits iridescent green and bronze plumage on its head and back, contrasting sharply with a pure white belly. This species is primarily frugivorous, feeding on native fruits.
