Black Imperial Pigeon

The Black Imperial Pigeon, also known as the Bismarck Imperial Pigeon, is a robust and sizable member of the pigeon family, Columbidae. It boasts a length of 38–43 cm and tips the scales at 661–665 grams. This species is cloaked almost entirely in slaty-black plumage, with a subtle gloss on the upper back and scapulars. A distinctive silvery-grey scaly pattern adorns its wings and back, while the undertail coverts are a rich dark chestnut. The tail is a pale black above and silvery-grey below. Both males and females share this striking appearance, while juveniles display paler chestnut undertail coverts.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Black Imperial Pigeon, look for its large size and heavy build, characteristic of its genus. The silver or pale grey fringes on the wing coverts and back feathers create a scaled effect. The dark chestnut undertail coverts and the silvery-grey underside of the tail are also key features. The bill is slaty-grey with a black tip, and the iris is dark red, complemented by dark purplish-red feet.

Habitat

This species is a denizen of rainforests and cloud forests, typically found at altitudes above 500 meters in the hilly and mountainous regions of the Bismarck Archipelago.

Distribution

The Black Imperial Pigeon is endemic to the Bismarck Archipelago, with sightings on Umboi, New Britain, Watom, Duke of York, and New Ireland islands.

Behaviour

The Black Imperial Pigeon is a solitary feeder or may gather in small flocks of up to 20 individuals, and occasionally up to 40 when dining on fig trees. It is known to join flocks with White-bibbed Fruit Doves during foraging.

Song & Calls

This pigeon vocalizes with three low-pitched booms, interspersed with grunts and a hornbill-like "arh." Other sounds include deep hoots and a prolonged, monotonic "mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm."

Breeding

Breeding behavior is not well-documented, but a single nest has been discovered in January, containing one white egg. The nest, made of twigs, was situated on a mossy tree at a height of approximately 4 meters.

Similar Species

The immature Nicobar Pigeon may be mistaken for the Black Imperial Pigeon in flight due to its all-black appearance. However, the Nicobar Pigeon has longer wings, a shorter tail, and a thinner neck, distinguishing it from the Black Imperial Pigeon.

Diet and Feeding

The Black Imperial Pigeon is frugivorous, favoring fruits between 15–35 mm in diameter and wild figs. It forages in the canopy, often alone or in small flocks.

Conservation Status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Black Imperial Pigeon as Least Concern, with a sufficiently large range and no significant population declines. It is common on New Britain and generally common in mountainous areas, though habitat destruction may be causing a decline in its population.