Micronesian Imperial Pigeon

Ducula oceanica

Doves and Pigeons · Columbiformes · Rare

The Micronesian Imperial Pigeon (Ducula oceanica) is a rare doves and pigeon found in 4 countries, weighing about 372 g. The Micronesian imperial pigeon, also known as the Micronesian pigeon, and Belochel is a species of bird in the family Columbidae (doves).

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About the Micronesian Imperial Pigeon

The Micronesian imperial pigeon, also known as the Micronesian pigeon, and Belochel is a species of bird in the family Columbidae (doves). It is found in Palau, the Caroline Islands, the Marshall Islands and Nauru. Its habitats include montane forests, secondary forests, forests on beaches, and mangroves. It is threatened by hunting and deforestation, and the IUCN has assessed it as a near-threatened species.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

How to identify it

The Micronesian imperial pigeon is about 36 cm (14 in) long and weighs 340–406 g (12.0–14.3 oz). The head and neck are ashy grey. The back and wing coverts are dark green, reflecting dark blue. The flight feathers are blackish, with a green gloss. The breast is light grey, and the vent is dark rufous. The tail is blackish above and dark brown below. The beak is slaty black, and the cere is black. The eyes are reddish brown, and the feet are purplish red. The female and the juvenile birds are darker. The subspecies are distinguished by their size and the colour of their heads.

Where it lives

Recorded as a rare visitor in Nauru.

When to see it

The Micronesian Imperial Pigeon can be seen all year round, with peak activity in May. It is a resident species across most of its range.

Easily confused with

Quick questions

How do you identify a Micronesian Imperial Pigeon?
The Micronesian imperial pigeon is about 36 cm (14 in) long and weighs 340–406 g (12.0–14.3 oz). Full identification notes are on this page.
How big is a Micronesian Imperial Pigeon?
The Micronesian Imperial Pigeon is a large sized bird weighing about 372 g.
Where can you see a Micronesian Imperial Pigeon?
The Micronesian Imperial Pigeon occurs in 4 countries, including Palau, Micronesia and the Marshall Islands.
What birds look similar to a Micronesian Imperial Pigeon?
The Micronesian Imperial Pigeon is most easily confused with the Pacific Imperial Pigeon, the Barking Imperial Pigeon and the Red-knobbed Imperial Pigeon.
Is the Micronesian Imperial Pigeon endangered?
The Micronesian Imperial Pigeon is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

Learn the Micronesian Imperial Pigeon for real

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