DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT
Nicobar pigeon is found on small islands and in coastal regions from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India, east through the Malay Archipelago, to the Solomons and Palau. This species is found in lowland forest, including swamp-forest.
BEHAVIOUR
This pigeon usually roams in flocks from island to island searching for food. The species is not shy and do not avoid people. It spends nights on offshore islets where its safe from predators.
DIET
Diet consists of seeds, fruits and buds. Sometimes the bird swallows small rocks which help to grind up hard food items.
REPRODUCTION
Breeds in colonies. Colonies of birds are situated on offshore islets. Nest is loose and made of sticks, built in the tree. Eggs are elliptical faintly blue-tinged white.
GOOD TO KNOW
This species may be the closest living relative of the extinct dodo.
- Latin name: Caloenas nicobarica
- IUCN –Red List – NT – near threatened
