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Nicobar pigeon

Caloenas nicobarica


The Nicobar pigeon is one of the closest living relatives to the dodo, a bird which is now extinct.

This pigeon is found on the small islands and coastal regions from the Nicobar Islands, east through the Malay Archipelago, to the Solomons and Palau. The Nicobar is nomadic and they commute from island to island in flocks of up to 85 birds, to find food. These pigeons can measure up to 40 centimetres long and weigh up to one pound. They feed on the forest floor and spend a lot of time of the ground.

Belfast Zoo’s Nicobar pigeons live in the rainforest house.

IUCN red list status

The IUCN status of the Nicobar pigeon is near threatened.

The IUCN status of the Nicobar pigeon is near threatened.

For more info on classifications visit www.iucnredlist.org

Animal class

Bird

Conservation status

The IUCN believes that Nicobar pigeons will face extinction in the near future.

Habitat

Forest

Population

The Nicobar pigeon population is declining, but the species remains numerous at present.

Diet

Omnivore. Nicobar pigeons eat seeds, often from harvested grain, fruit and some invertebrates.