Lincoln Park Zoo

Common name: Nicobar pigeon
Latin Name: Caloenas nicobarica

Class: Birds
Order:    Columbiformes

Description
A richly decorated species, the Nicobar pigeon features a metallic green back and wings, a white tail and a gray chest and head. Long, elaborate feathers stream down from the species’ neck, giving it a distinctive look.

Range
Southern Asia and Malay Archipelago

Status
Near threatened due to overhunting and predation by introduced species, such as cats and rats.

Habitat
Tropical rain forest

Niche
The Nicobar pigeon flies from island to island in its native range to find seeds, fruit and insects to eat. The species often sleeps at night on nearby offshore islands to find safe refuge from predators.

Life History
The Nicobar pigeon nests in trees, building its nest from sticks. The female lays one egg per breeding period, and both the male and female cooperate in rearing their young.

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