The Metallic Pigeons (Columba vitiensis) – or White-throated Pigeons – occur naturally in the tropical forests of eastern Indonesia, the Philippines, New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Fiji, New Caledonia, Samoa and surrounding southwest Pacific islands.
(Columbidae – Please see also Doves)
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The Metallic Pigeons (Columba vitiensis) – or White-throated Pigeons – occur naturally in the 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 circa 1853.
Identification
These medium-sized pigeons measure about 37 cm in length.
The adult has an iridescent purple and green crown, black wing and uppertail coverts, yellowish red iris, yellow bill, red orbital skin, white or grey chin and ear coverts, and purplish feet. It has a dull chestnut or glossed purple green below, depends on subspecies.
The nominate form C. v. vitiensis from Fiji has a dull underparts, while subspecies C. v. halmaheira of Maluku Islands has the most iridescent plumage. Males and females look alike.
Immature birds have a duller plumage than adults.
Food
Their diet consists of various fruits, grains, seeds and berries.
Breeding / Nesting
The female usually lays one to two eggs.
Conservation
They are considered widespread and common throughout their large range, and are, therefore, evaluated as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
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Species Research by Sibylle Johnson
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