Orange-breasted Green-pigeon

Species Profile

Orange-breasted Green-pigeon

Treron bicinctus

Quick Facts

Conservation

LCLeast Concern

Length

25–30 cm

Weight

150–200 g

Wingspan

45–50 cm

Migration

Resident

Concealed within dense tropical forests, this colourful pigeon quietly forages in treetops for figs and wild berries, its rich orange chest glowing through the leafy canopy.

Also known as: Orange-breasted Fruit Dove

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Orange-breasted Green-pigeon sitting on nest
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Orange-breasted Green-pigeon sitting on nest

Appearance

The Orange-breasted Green-pigeon is a striking bird with predominantly green plumage. Males feature a distinctive orange breast band, grey head, and yellow belly, while their wings display black and yellow patterning.

Females lack the orange breast band and have a more uniform green colouration. Both sexes have red legs and feet and a pale grey beak with a greenish or bluish base.

Identification & Characteristics

Male Colors

Primary
Green
Secondary
Grey
Beak
Grey
Legs
Red

Female Colors

Primary
Green
Secondary
Grey
Beak
Grey
Legs
Red

Female Markings

Lacks orange breast band of males


Attributes

Agility82/100
Strength45/100
Adaptability75/100
Aggression30/100
Endurance65/100

Habitat & Distribution

This species inhabits tropical and subtropical forests, including lowland rainforests and deciduous woodlands. It is found across parts of South and Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and parts of Indonesia.

While primarily resident, some local movements may occur in response to fruit availability.

Distribution

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Diet

The Orange-breasted Green-pigeon primarily feeds on fruits, with a particular preference for figs. They use their specialised bills to pluck and swallow fruits whole. Occasionally, they supplement their diet with buds, shoots, and small invertebrates.

Behaviour

These pigeons are typically observed in small flocks, often perched high in fruiting trees. They are known for their agile movements among branches while foraging.

During courtship, males perform elaborate bowing displays and soft cooing to attract females.

Calls & Sounds

The Orange-breasted Green-pigeon has a soft, melodious call often described as a series of 'woo-woo' sounds.

During courtship, males produce a more elaborate cooing, sometimes accompanied by a gentle whistling note. Their calls are typically heard in the early morning or late afternoon.

Nesting & Breeding

Breeding typically occurs during the dry season, with timing varying across their range. Males attract females with cooing calls and bowing displays on tree branches.

Nests are simple platforms of twigs, usually placed in the fork of a tree or dense foliage. Females lay 1-2 white eggs per clutch.

Both parents share incubation duties, which last about 14 days. Chicks fledge after approximately 12-14 days but may remain dependent on parents for several more weeks.

Conservation

While currently listed as Least Concern, the Orange-breasted Green-pigeon faces threats from habitat loss due to deforestation.

Conservation efforts focus on protecting tropical and subtropical forests within their range, which is crucial for maintaining stable populations.

LCLeast Concern
[1]

Population

Estimated: Not quantified, but usually uncommon[3]

Trend: Decreasing[2]

Elevation

Up to 1,500 meters

Additional Details

Predators:
Main predators include birds of prey, such as hawks and eagles, as well as arboreal snakes and occasionally larger mammals.

Birdwatching Tips

  • Look for them in fruiting trees, especially figs
  • Listen for their soft, melodious calls in the early morning
  • Observe their behaviour during the breeding season for courtship displays
  • Use binoculars to spot their distinctive colouration high in the canopy

Did You Know?

  1. Their green plumage provides excellent camouflage in leafy trees.
  2. They have specialised feet that allow them to hang upside-down while feeding on fruits.
  3. These pigeons play a crucial role in seed dispersal for many tropical tree species.

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