About Ducula aenea (Linnaeus, 1766)
The green imperial pigeon, with the scientific name Ducula aenea (Linnaeus, 1766), is a large, plump pigeon that reaches 45 centimetres (18 in) in length. Its back, wings, and tail have a metallic green color. The head and underparts are white, except for maroon undertail coverts. Male and female green imperial pigeons look similar. This species lives in treetops, and its deep, resonant call is often the first sign of its presence. The green imperial pigeon is a forest species, and it is a widespread resident breeding bird found across tropical southern Asia, from Nepal and India eastward to Indonesia. Several subspecies of this bird have been identified, including the distinctive Celebes form called the chestnut-naped imperial pigeon (Ducula aenea paulina). As an arboreal dove, the green imperial pigeon feeds on plant material in the tree canopy. Its flight is fast and direct, featuring the regular wing beats and occasional sharp wing flick that are typical of most pigeons. It builds a stick nest in a tree and lays one single white egg. This species is not very gregarious, but individuals will gather to form small flocks.
