Spotted Imperial Pigeon

The Spotted Imperial Pigeon, or Ducula carola, known also as the Grey-necked Imperial Pigeon, is a rather striking bird endemic to the Philippines. It boasts a sizeable length of 32 to 38 centimeters, cloaked in a plumage that is a tapestry of ashy grey, dark chestnut, and blackish hues, with a distinctive creamy white throat.

Identification Tips

Males of the species display a head and neck of ashy grey, with a back and wings adorned in grey and black spots, some areas reflecting a green gloss. The underside of their wings is a pale grey, and their tail carries a blackish tone with a greenish sheen. A white crescent embellishes the dark grey breast, while the abdomen is a rich dark chestnut. Their feet present a purple or pinkish red, the beak a reddish hue, and the iris a striking whitish color. Females, on the other hand, have browner upperparts and lack the white crescent on the breast. Juveniles resemble females but are of a duller complexion.

Habitat

This pigeon prefers the lush environments of forests and forest edges, venturing down to limestone shorelines, a behavior that remains a subject of intrigue among ornithologists.

Distribution

The Spotted Imperial Pigeon graces the skies and trees of the Philippines, with confirmed sightings on Luzon, Mindoro, Sibuyan, Negros, Siquijor, and Mindanao. However, it may no longer be present on some of these islands.

Behaviour

In the wild, these pigeons are often seen in flocks exceeding thirty individuals, mingling with the Green Imperial Pigeon. Their daily and seasonal movements are influenced by the availability of food, and they have been observed to travel considerable distances in response to this.

Song & Calls

The vocal repertoire of the Spotted Imperial Pigeon includes a series of 'po po po po po' sounds, as well as a 'hu hu hu hu hu' call. Captive birds have been noted to emit low 'oomph' notes.

Breeding

While the breeding habits of the Spotted Imperial Pigeon are not thoroughly documented, it is believed that the breeding season spans from February to July. A nest has been recorded within a cliff hollow.

Diet and Feeding

These pigeons have a diet that primarily consists of fruits, favoring those from Eugenia and Ficus trees.

Conservation status

With an estimated population of 2,500 to 9,999 mature individuals, the Spotted Imperial Pigeon is classified as Vulnerable. It faces threats from habitat loss and hunting, and there is evidence of its decline on Luzon and Mindanao, as well as potential local extinctions on Sibuyan, Mindoro, and Siquijor. The species is protected within the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park and Mt. Kitanglad Natural Park, and hunting, capturing, or possessing these birds is illegal under Philippine Law RA 9147.