Nicobar Pigeon

Caloenas nicobarica

Range

•  The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India, east through the Malay Archipelago, to the Solomons and Palau

Habitat

• Tropical forests

Diet

• Seeds
• Fruit
• Invertebrates

As the only pigeon or dove to have such long head and neck feathers, these colorful birds are easy to identify.

Their white tails act as a signal and way to stay in contact with other Nicobar pigeons. Large eyes help in foraging for fruits and nuts on dimly lit forest floors. An exceptionally rugged gizzard along with small pebbles that have been swallowed help crush and digest nuts.