Metallic Pigeon
Columba vitiensis
Dark iridescent pigeon with a triangular throat patch the darkness of which varies geographically; it is white to pale gray across most of the range but dark in the Lesser Sundas. Found over a wide range of altitudes, from lowland into montane forests and edge. Often found in close proximity to human settlements, particularly on small islands. Forages in trees and on the ground. Vocalizations vary slightly; gives both deep booming coos and a higher pitched “COOroo...COOroo...COOroo..”
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Columba vitiensis
- Authority
- Quoy & Gaimard, 1832
- Order
- Columbiformes
- Family
- Columbidae
- Genus
- Columba
Range and habitat
The metallic pigeon is distributed to tropical forests of eastern Indonesia, the Philippines, New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Fiji, New Caledonia, Samoa and surrounding southwest Pacific islands. A subspecies, the Lord Howe pigeon, used to exist on Lord Howe Island in Australia, but was exterminated by hunting c. 1853.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
Widespread and common throughout its large range, the metallic pigeon is evaluated as being of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
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Glaucidium castanopterum
Chunky small owl with a big rounded head. Note finely barred head, bright chestnut back and wings, and white underparts marked with long brown streaks. The only owlet on Java; shape and coloration eliminate any scops-owl. Unlike Collared Owlet, this is a primarily nocturnal species, only rarely remaining active through the day. Inhabits forest and forest edge from lowlands up into foothills. Song is a barbet-like series of trilling barks which accelerates rapidly before ending suddenly.
Red Shoveler
Spatula platalea
Distinctive dabbling duck: combination of very large, slightly shovel-shaped black bill and and pale blue forewing patches (brighter on male) identify all plumages. Male has a pale gray head with pale yellow eyes and a “red” body with black spots. Female is mottled brown overall, but note white sides to pointed tail, big black bill. Fairly common in wetlands and at lakes, river mouths, and sewage lagoons. Unlike many dabbling ducks, often rather quiet.
Lowland Sooty Boubou
Laniarius leucorhynchus
An entirely dark boubou found in thickets and dense vegetation. Widespread, but can be surprisingly rare and local in many parts of its range. A distinctively nondescript medium-sized skulking forest bird whose most obvious field mark is a lack of field marks, as it is wholly dark all over. The scientific name, which means “white-billed,” refers to young birds, whose bills start out white and darken with age. Similar to other species of sooty boubou, but Lowland Sooty Boubou is found at lower elevations and has a distinctive voice: a series of drawn out, ringing hoots or whistles, given singly or in short groups. Calls are harsh, sometimes mechanical chatters.
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