Pemba Green-Pigeon
Treron pembaensis
A medium-sized, chunky pigeon that has an olive-green back and a gray head and underparts. Flight is fast and direct. Sometimes seen alone, though more often in small groups. Found in forest, forest edge, plantations, and villages, often around fruiting trees. Similar to other green-pigeons, but easily separated by range, as it is the only green-pigeon on the island of Pemba. Voice is a quiet but maniacal series of sputters, whistles, and cackles.
Identification
The Pemba green pigeon (Treron pembaensis) is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is a small and stocky pigeon, with an average length of 25 cm. The head, neck, breast, and underparts are greenish-grey, while the upperparts from the lower mantle to the rump are olive-green, brighter on the rump and uppertail-coverts and with a greyish wash elsewhere. There is a dark greyish-purple patch on the shoulder formed by the lesser wing-coverts. It is endemic to Pemba Island, off the northeastern coast of mainland Tanzania. It is most common in primary forest, but also occurs in secondary forest, gardens, and clove plantations. Its population is estimated to number 2,000–3,200 mature individuals, although some estimates are as low as 500.
Taxonomy
Genus: Treron; Family: Columbidae; Order: Columbiformes.
- Scientific name
- Treron pembaensis
- Authority
- Pakenham, 1940
- Order
- Columbiformes
- Family
- Columbidae
- Genus
- Treron
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: declining.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Key West Quail-Dove
Geotrygon chrysia
A smallish, chunky, ground-dwelling species of dense woodlands with thick leaf litter; prefers drier habitats. Secretive but not shy; sometimes detected by the rustling of leaves it is strolling through. The rather similar Bridled Quail-Dove is dull brown rather than reddish or purple on the upper back and it has iridescent turquoise on the sides of its neck. Ruddy Quail-Doves have less contrast in facial markings and the males have an entirely rusty back; some also sport a vertical white shoulder stripe. The Blue-headed Quail-Dove has a blue crown and bib. This species’ song is a soft, low plaintive “hooooooo,” given at a single pitch, but growing gradually louder before dropping off abruptly at the end.
Purple Finch
Haemorhous purpureus
Males suffused with raspberry red, especially on head and breast. Compared to House Finch, males lack distinct streaks on sides and are overall more colorful, especially on back and wings. Females and first-year males have contrasty head pattern with pale eyebrow and darker cheek; also note well-defined streaks on sides. Breed in coniferous or mixed forests. Winters in a wider variety of habitats with trees. Visits feeders.
Yellow-rumped Flowerpecker
Prionochilus xanthopygius
Brightly-colored pinball of a bird. Male is blue above and yellow below with a narrow red crown and an orange flush on the breast. Female has a gray head, olive-yellow wings, and yellow underparts that are slightly duller than the male’s; also note white throat. Both sexes have namesake yellow rump. Crimson-breasted Flowerpecker can be similar; note lack of white moustache stripe on Yellow-rumped. Forages actively in all levels of forest and forest edge in lowlands and foothills.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.