Rufescent imperial pigeon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rufescent imperial pigeon |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Ducula
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| Species: |
chalconota
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The Rufescent Imperial Pigeon (Ducula chalconota), also called the Shining Imperial Pigeon, is a special and somewhat rare bird. It belongs to the same family as other pigeons and doves, called Columbidae. This bird family is known for eating mostly fruits, figs, and seeds.
Scientists say this pigeon is quite stable. It doesn't face many threats from other animals or changes in its home. This is good news because many other bird species are in danger. The Rufescent Imperial Pigeon is often a quiet and reserved bird. It likes to stay by itself in its forest home. This allows it to be independent, but it can also be found with other birds sometimes.
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About the Rufescent Imperial Pigeon
What's in a Name?
This bird was first described by a scientist named Tommaso Salvadori in 1874. He gave it the name Carpophaga chalconota. Later, it was moved to the Ducula group.
There are two main types, or subspecies, of this pigeon:
- Ducula chalconota chalconota: Found in a place called Vogelkop.
- D. c. smaragdina: Found across western, central, and eastern New Guinea.
Scientists have also seen a unique group of these birds in the Foja Mountains.
How to Spot One
Rufescent Imperial Pigeons are larger than most other pigeons.
- Male pigeons are about 41 to 42 centimeters (16 to 17 inches) long.
- Female pigeons are a bit smaller, around 37 to 39 centimeters (15 inches) long.
- Both males and females weigh about 21 to 22 ounces.
Their colors help tell them apart:
- The smaragdina type has a gray head.
- Its back and wing feathers are a shiny metallic green.
- These feathers can also show bronze and blue colors.
- The flight feathers are darker and more bluish.
- Its tail is blackish with a blue shine.
- The throat is cinnamon-colored, and the chest is a wine-red.
- The belly and sides are chestnut brown.
- Their feet are red, eyes are reddish, and the beak is dark gray.
- Female birds look very much like the males.
- Young birds have a lighter head and neck, and their chest is slightly grayish.
- The chalconota type has a reddish-purple shine on its back.
It's usually easier to identify these birds by their looks than by their sounds. Their chest is a pale orange, leading to a deep reddish-brown belly. They also have a black band on their tail. Females have less of a reddish shine than males.
Where They Live
The Rufescent Imperial Pigeon lives deep inside the Montane Forests of New Guinea. These forests are very high up!
- They can be found at elevations from about 3,600 feet to 8,200 feet high.
- This is a very high home compared to other pigeons and doves.
- You can find both male and female pigeons in these forests.
- They are usually seen alone, but sometimes they are found in pairs.
How They Behave
This pigeon often sits quietly in the middle parts of the forest. It usually stays hidden within the trees.
Sounds and Diet
- It is mostly a silent bird.
- When it does make a sound, it's a slow, sad hum.
- It also makes a low hoo sound and a hollow knock.
- Sometimes, two birds will sing together, which is called duetting.
- Their main food is figs and other fruits.
Reproduction
Not much is known about how these pigeons raise their young. However, scientists have found birds ready to breed in February and March.
Status and Protection
The Rufescent Imperial Pigeon population is stable. This means their numbers are not going down. They don't face many big threats right now. Because of this, the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) lists them as a least-concern species. This is good news for this unique forest bird!
