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.
For more info on classifications visit www.iucnredlist.org (link opens in new window).
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.