Rufescent imperial pigeon

The rufescent imperial pigeon (Ducula chalconota), also known as the shining imperial pigeon,[2] is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is found in montane forests of New Guinea. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has assessed it as a least-concern species.

Rufescent imperial pigeon
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Columbiformes
Family: Columbidae
Genus: Ducula
Species:
D. chalconota
Binomial name
Ducula chalconota
(Salvadori, 1874)

Taxonomy

This species was described by Tommaso Salvadori as Carpophaga chalconota in 1874.[3] Two subspecies are recognised: Ducula chalconota chalconota found in Vogelkop and D. c. smaragdina found in western, central and eastern New Guinea.[4] A distinct population in the Foja Mountains has been reported.[5]

Description

The male rufescent imperial pigeon is 41–42 cm (16–17 in) long, and the female is 37–39 cm (15–15 in) long. It weighs about 613 g (21.6 oz). In the subspecies smaragdina, the head is slaty-grey. The back and wing coverts are metallic green, with bronzy and bluish reflections, and the flight feathers are darker and more bluish. The tail is blackish and has a blue gloss. The throat is cinnamon, and the breast is vinous. The belly and flanks are chestnut. The feet are red, the eye is reddish, and the beak is dark slate. The female is very similar to the male. The juvenile bird has a paler head and neck, and its breast is vaguely greyish.[2] The subspecies chalconota has a reddish-purple iridescence on its mantle and back.[5]

Distribution and habitat

This pigeon is endemic to New Guinea, found in the Tamrau, Arfak and Wandammen Mountains, the Central Range and the Huon Peninsula. Its habitat is primary montane forests at elevations of 1,100–2,500 m (3,600–8,200 ft).[2]

Behaviour

The rufescent imperial pigeon is found singly, sometimes in pairs. It often sits in the middle layers of the forest, and it does not leave the forest. Usually silent, it hums slowly and mournfully and also gives a low hoo and a hollow knock. Duetting has been observed. It eats figs and fruits. The breeding is unknown except that individuals in breeding condition have been collected in February and March.[2]

Status

The population is stable and does not have substantial threats, so the IUCN has assessed it as a least-concern species.[1]

References
  1. BirdLife International (2016). "Ducula chalconota". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T22691734A93322891. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22691734A93322891.en.
  2. Gibbs, David; Barnes, Eustace; Cox, John (2010). Pigeons and Doves: A Guide to the Pigeons and Doves of the World. A&C Black. pp. 554–555. ISBN 9781408135563.
  3. Salvadori, Tommaso (1874). "Altre nuove specie di uccelli della Nuova Guinea e di Goram raccolto dal Signor L. M. L'Albertis". Annali del Museo civico di storia naturale di Genova (in Italian). 6: 87–88.
  4. Gill, F.; Donsker, D. (eds.). "Pigeons". IOC World Bird List Version 7.3. Retrieved 21 October 2017.
  5. Beehler, Bruce M.; Pratt, Thane K. (2016). Birds of New Guinea: Distribution, Taxonomy, and Systematics. Princeton University Press. pp. 88–89. ISBN 9781400880713.
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