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What is a Nicobar Pigeon?

S. Ashraf
S. Ashraf

The nicobar pigeon, scientifically named Caloenas nicobarica, belongs to the pigeon family of birds, and scientists believe that it is the final remaining specimen of the genus Caloenas. Regarded as one of the most beautiful of all the pigeon species, the nicobar is a shimmering greenish blue in color with copper-toned streaks. Its most distinguishing feature is its white tail, which serves as a sort of taillight that helps keep flocks together when the light is low at dusk or dawn. Males and females resemble each other except that females are somewhat heavier and a little smaller. On average, the nicobar pigeon is about 16 inches (40 cm) long, with males weighing about 16-18 ounces (460-510g) and the female 17-21 ounces (490-600g).

Geographically, the distribution of the nicobar pigeon is limited to southeast Asia. They might be found on islands from India eastward through Myanmar, Thailand and New Guinea, to the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia. The species takes its name from the Nicobar Islands, which are a chain of islands found in the eastern Indian Ocean.

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For habitat, the nicobar pigeon prefers lowland forests and mangroves on very small, wooded islands that are relatively close to either a larger island or a mainland. During the day, the nicobar pigeon is a nomadic bird that wanders in large flocks of as much as 85 birds from one island to another in search of food. While feeding, the nicobar pigeon will not avoid locations where humans are present and might seek them out because of better food availability. This bird feeds mostly on the ground of forests and likes to eat berries, insects, corn, hard seeds and nuts. Nicobar pigeons have a very muscular gizzard, which lets them grind extremely hard nuts that a human might need a hammer to open.

At dusk, after feeding, nicobar pigeons flock to uninhabited islands or islets because they refuse to roost or breed where there are humans. The nicobar pigeon breeds in dense colonies and mates for life. Breeding displays by males last for several days, after which the female selects her mate, with nest building following immediately thereafter. Male nicobars are responsible for selecting the site for the nest and gathering all of the materials, such as roots and twigs, to build it. The female assembles the nest and structures it so that the egg will be stable.

Clutches usually consist of just one egg. Incubation takes approximately 30 days and is shared by the female and male. The parents care for the chicks for about a month after hatching.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Nicobar Pigeon?

The Nicobar Pigeon, Caloenas nicobarica, is a large, colorful bird native to the Nicobar Islands in the eastern Indian Ocean. It's known for its iridescent plumage, small head, and stout body. This pigeon is the closest living relative to the extinct Dodo bird, making it an important species for evolutionary study.

What does the Nicobar Pigeon eat?

Nicobar Pigeons are frugivores and granivores, meaning their diet primarily consists of fruit and seeds. They forage on the forest floor of small islands and coastal regions, often traveling long distances to find food, which helps in the dispersal of seeds, contributing to the health of their ecosystems.

Where can Nicobar Pigeons be found?

Nicobar Pigeons are found in coastal regions from the Nicobar Islands, east through the Malay Archipelago, to places like Thailand and Papua New Guinea. They prefer uninhabited wooded islands for breeding and roosting, often nesting in large colonies to increase their chances of avoiding predators.

Are Nicobar Pigeons endangered?

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Nicobar Pigeons are currently listed as Near Threatened. Their populations are declining due to habitat loss, hunting, and predation by introduced species. Conservation efforts are crucial to prevent them from sliding into more critical endangerment categories.

How do Nicobar Pigeons reproduce?

Nicobar Pigeons breed in dense colonies on offshore islets, where they lay a single large white egg on a platform nest made of twigs. Both parents share incubation duties for about a month. The gregarious nature of their breeding strategy helps protect against predators.

What are the distinctive features of Nicobar Pigeons?

Nicobar Pigeons are notable for their glossy green and copper feathers, short white tail, and black wings. Males are generally larger than females and have more elaborate iridescent plumage. They also have a unique, thick, curved ceres at the base of their beak, which is not found in most other pigeon species.

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