Malabar Imperial Pigeon
NameMalabar Imperial Pigeon
Common NameMalabar Imperial Pigeon
Scientific NameDucula cuprea
FamilyColumbidae
Wingspan (cm)47
Length (cm)44
Weight (g)550
Plumage DetailsThe head and neck are pale greyish-white, sometimes with a faint pinkish wash. The back, wings, and tail are a rich rufous-brown to chestnut, often with a metallic sheen, while the underparts are a slightly paler rufous-brown. It has reddish eyes and a dark bill.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations consist of deep, booming coos, often described as a series of resonant 'whoo-whoo-whoo' or 'coo-coo-coo' sounds that carry through the forest.
Primary Dietfrugivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the Western Ghats mountain range in southwestern India.
Identifying FeaturesLarge pigeon size, Pale greyish-white head and neck, Dark rufous-brown body, Reddish eyes, Found in evergreen forests of Western Ghats
Description
The Malabar Imperial Pigeon is a large, striking pigeon found in the evergreen forests of southwestern India. It is known for its contrasting pale head and neck with a darker, rufous-brown body, typically foraging for fruits in the forest canopy.
