Common Name: Nicobar Pigeon
Scientific Name: Caloenas nicobarica
Range: From India through Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Palau, including many small islands in the same region.
The spectacular iridescent plumage, elongated gray neck feathers and pure white tail of the Nicobar pigeon are distinctive, and unfortunately, are also part of the threat to this bird, because its extreme beauty makes is a popular target for illegal poaching for the pet trade. Habitat destruction also threatens this bird, but on small, less disturbed islands it can still thrive. Captive breeding programs have helped bring this bird to aviaries and zoos worldwide.
Photo © Arjan Haverkamp
