Orange-breasted Green Pigeon

The Orange-breasted Green Pigeon, Treron bicinctus, is a vibrant avian species found across the tropical regions of Asia, extending from the southern Himalayas through parts of the Indian Subcontinent to Southeast Asia. The males of this species are particularly striking with a pinkish and broader orange band across the upper breast, while females exhibit a bright yellow breast. Both sexes share a blue-grey nape, yellowish-green crown, bronzed uppertail coverts, and unmarked rufous undertail coverts.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Orange-breasted Green Pigeon, look for the absence of maroon on the wing, which distinguishes it from similar green pigeons. The male lacks grey on the head and instead has a lilac band above the orange breast band. The undertail coverts are cinnamon, edged with yellow, and the tail is grey with a dark subterminal band. Females are yellow below without the bands seen in males, and their undertail coverts are a duller cinnamon with greenish spots. The central tail feathers are slaty grey, a helpful characteristic for differentiation from other species.

Habitat

This species thrives in forests and is widely distributed in regions such as the Terai and lower Himalayas, the Western and Eastern Ghats, and Sri Lankan forests not far from the coast.

Distribution

The Orange-breasted Green Pigeon is found across a broad range, including Burma, Thailand, the Malay Peninsula, Vietnam, Java, and Hainan. Some populations exhibit seasonal movements, and vagrants have been recorded in locations like Sind.

Behaviour

Typically solitary or in small groups, these pigeons exhibit fast and direct flight with characteristic beats and occasional sharp wing flicks. They are frugivorous, often joining other fruit-eaters at fig trees, and are known to consume seeds and fruits from a variety of plants. They may occasionally be seen on the ground and engage in wing-slapping and pecking during breeding season disputes.

Song & Calls

The call of the Orange-breasted Green Pigeon is a series of low, subdued, modulated whistles that wander in pitch.

Breeding

Breeding season varies by region, occurring from March to September in India, and from December to May in Sri Lanka. Males engage in combat with each other during this time. The nest is a simple platform of twigs, hosting two white eggs that hatch after about 12 to 14 days, with both sexes participating in incubation.

Similar Species

The Orange-breasted Green Pigeon can be confused with the Yellow-footed Green Pigeon and the Grey-fronted Green Pigeon, but careful observation of the head, breast bands, and tail coloration can aid in correct identification.

Diet and Feeding

These pigeons primarily feed on small fruits, including those of the Strychnos nux-vomica, which are toxic to mammals. They forage by walking slowly along branches and are known to feed in the company of other frugivores.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Orange-breasted Green Pigeon as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without significant immediate threats to its survival.