New Caledonian Imperial-pigeon
A species of Imperial pigeons Scientific name : Ducula goliath Genus : Imperial pigeons
New Caledonian Imperial-pigeon, A species of Imperial pigeons
Botanical name: Ducula goliath
Genus: Imperial pigeons
Content
Description General Info
Description
The goliath imperial pigeon is about 51 cm (20 in) long, making it one of the largest species of arboreal pigeon. It is a slender bird with a long tail, weighing 600–716 g (21.2–25.3 oz). The head and neck are blue-grey. The upperparts and wings are sooty-grey, with a grey panel on the primaries' bases. The tail is black and has a dark chestnut band. The neck and upper breast have bifurcated feathers, so they appear shaggy or furrowed. The lower breast is sooty-grey, the belly and flanks are purplish-chestnut, and the vent is buffy-yellow. The eye is bright red, and the beak and feet are pinkish or vinous-red. The juvenile bird has a duller plumage, with no bifurcations. 
Size
52 cm
Feeding Habits
New Caledonian Imperial-pigeon is predominantly frugivorous, consuming a variety of fruits and berries, including introduced species like chili peppers. Analysis of gut contents revealed fruits from 22 tree species, alongside tree leaves and ferns. New Caledonian Imperial-pigeon's diet notably adapts to available flora.
Habitat
The habitat of new Caledonian Imperial-pigeon primarily consists of montane forests. These environments are characterized by dense, evergreen foliage and a rich understory, often within broader tropical and subtropical regions. This species prefers expansive canopies offering both food resources and nesting sites, which are integral for their survival and reproduction.
Dite type
Frugivorous
General Info
Behavior
The goliath imperial pigeon is found singly or in pairs. It feeds on fruits, leaves and flowers, and it moves locally to eat fruits. Early in the morning, it warms itself on a branch. Its call is a low oom, and it also gives a gkrarr at dusk. It breeds from June to December. The nest, 30–40 cm (12–16 in) in diameter, is woven from twigs and built on a branch. One white egg is laid and incubated by both parents.
Distribution Area
This pigeon is endemic to New Caledonia, on Grande Terre and the Isle of Pines. Its habitat is mostly humid primary forest, up to 1,500 m (4,900 ft) in elevation.
Species Status
This species's population size is estimated at about 10,000 birds. It is hunted as game both legally and illegally. Traditionally, it is hunted for feasts from late February to early May. The IUCN considers the species to be safe at present, but it may decline in the future because of hunting, especially if hunting laws and the hunting season are changed. The IUCN has assessed it as a near-threatened species.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Pigeons and doves Family
Dove Genus
Imperial pigeons Species
New Caledonian Imperial-pigeon 
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