Metallic pigeon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Metallic pigeon |
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| At San Diego Zoo | |
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| Genus: |
Columba
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| Species: |
vitiensis
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The metallic pigeon (scientific name: Columba vitiensis) is also known as the white-throated pigeon. This medium-sized bird belongs to the dove and pigeon family, called Columbidae. It can grow up to about 37 centimeters (14.5 inches) long.
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What Does the Metallic Pigeon Look Like?
Adult metallic pigeons are quite colorful! Their heads have shiny purple and green feathers that shimmer in the light. This is called an iridescent crown. Their wings and upper tail feathers are black.
They have bright yellowish-red eyes (called an iris) and a yellow beak. The skin around their eyes is red. Their chin and the feathers covering their ears can be white or grey. Their feet are a purplish color.
The feathers on their belly can be a dull chestnut color or a shiny purplish-green. This depends on where the pigeon lives. For example, pigeons from Fiji (called C. v. vitiensis) have duller underparts. But pigeons from the Maluku Islands (called C. v. halmaheira) have very shiny feathers. Both male and female pigeons look similar. Young pigeons are not as colorful as the adults.
Where Do Metallic Pigeons Live?
Metallic pigeons live in tropical forests across many islands. You can find them in eastern Indonesia, the Philippines, New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. They also live in Fiji, New Caledonia, Samoa, and other islands in the southwest Pacific Ocean.
Sadly, one type of metallic pigeon, the Lord Howe pigeon, used to live on Lord Howe Island in Australia. But it was hunted and disappeared around the year 1853.
What Do Metallic Pigeons Eat?
Metallic pigeons are mostly vegetarians. Their diet includes many different kinds of fruits, grains, seeds, and berries. They spend their time foraging for these foods in the forests.
Reproduction
When it's time to lay eggs, the female metallic pigeon usually lays one or two eggs. These eggs will hatch into new, duller-colored young pigeons.
How Are Metallic Pigeons Protected?
The metallic pigeon is found in many places and is quite common. Because of this, it is listed as a species of "Least Concern" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This means that experts believe it is not currently at high risk of disappearing.
Gallery
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C. vitiensis griseogularis
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At San Diego Zoo
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C. vitiensis godmanae
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C. vitiensis metallica
