Nicobar pigeon: where and when to see them

The Nicobar pigeon is a large island pigeon with metallic green and bronze plumage, elongated neck feathers and a contrasting white tail. Its range extends through parts of the eastern Indian Ocean and western Pacific, but populations are fragmented among islands. In Thailand it is associated with selected offshore islands rather than ordinary mainland parks. Hunting, trapping and introduced predators threaten a bird whose nesting and feeding requirements can depend on several islands.

Size

32-35 cm body length

Weight

460-600 g

Lifespan

Not reliably established

Status

Near Threatened

Nicobar pigeons spend considerable time walking on the forest floor, searching leaf litter for food. They may commute between islands, using some for feeding and others for communal roosting or breeding. Strong, direct flight contrasts with their deliberate ground movements. Nesting can be colonial in trees and shrubs. Birds are often wary where disturbed, and their forest habits mean that an occupied island does not necessarily offer easy views from an authorized path. They are highly social birds, often seen in small to large flocks, particularly when foraging or flying between islands. Their flight is fast and direct, often at low altitudes over water, contrasting sharply with their sedate ground movements.

• Genetic studies place it among the closest living relatives of the extinct dodo.
• Adults have a conspicuous white tail, whereas juveniles have a dark tail.
• Both parents help incubate the single egg.
• Individuals can travel between separate nesting, roosting and feeding islands.

For Thailand's Andaman islands, roughly November through April usually offers calmer travel conditions and greater access to authorized forest trails. This is not a verified species-wide breeding season. Island closures, local distribution and permissions must be checked before planning any wildlife excursion. During this period, the breeding season for some populations may coincide, though specific island breeding cycles vary. Always check local regulations, as some islands or areas may be seasonally closed for wildlife protection or traditional uses.

Small wooded islands, coastal forest and nearby larger forested islands provide complementary nesting, roosting and feeding habitat. Predator-free or lightly disturbed islands are particularly valuable. In Thailand, suitable habitat is localized offshore, and protected areas may impose seasonal closures or prohibit access. They prefer dense forest on small, remote islands, often with limited human disturbance. These pigeons are particularly vulnerable to habitat loss and degradation, especially the introduction of predators to their island homes.

Fallen fruits, seeds and other plant material make up much of the diet, with occasional small invertebrates. Birds forage mainly on the ground. A muscular gizzard and swallowed grit help process hard food, allowing them to exploit seeds unavailable to some softer-fruit specialists. Their robust gizzard allows them to consume larger, harder seeds that many other frugivores cannot digest, reducing dietary competition. They often feed in small flocks, overturning leaf litter with their bills to find hidden food.

Common name

Nicobar pigeon

Scientific name

Caloenas nicobarica

Animal group

Birds

Size

32-35 cm body length

Weight

460-600 g

Lifespan

Not reliably established

Status

Near Threatened

Identification

Its long metallic neck hackles, dark iridescent body and short white tail distinguish adult Nicobar pigeons from imperial pigeons and other regional island pigeons. Juveniles are duller, lacking the long neck hackles and showing a brownish-black tail. The striking iridescent green and copper plumage on their head and body shimmers beautifully in good light.