Spotted Imperial Pigeon
SPOTTED IMPERIAL PIGEON
Ducula carola
Family Columbidae
L 355 mm (14")
endemic, uncommon and local
Bird # 427 - May 2013
We saw this in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte. These birds are usually found in forests up to 2500 m. They are known to visit coastal areas in flocks, usually in May. They have been observed to go to the shorelines. It has been speculated that they are drinking sea water or eating something found on the shoreline, possibly for the minerals. More study on this phenomenon is needed.
This habit of coming down to the coast is known among the local hunters who stake out the birds and shoot them. Their numbers have dwindled and they are now considered vulnerable by the IUCN. In 2013 the governor of Ilocos Norte was urged to take measures to protect the species.
Read MoreDucula carola
Family Columbidae
L 355 mm (14")
endemic, uncommon and local
Bird # 427 - May 2013
We saw this in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte. These birds are usually found in forests up to 2500 m. They are known to visit coastal areas in flocks, usually in May. They have been observed to go to the shorelines. It has been speculated that they are drinking sea water or eating something found on the shoreline, possibly for the minerals. More study on this phenomenon is needed.
This habit of coming down to the coast is known among the local hunters who stake out the birds and shoot them. Their numbers have dwindled and they are now considered vulnerable by the IUCN. In 2013 the governor of Ilocos Norte was urged to take measures to protect the species.
SPOTTED IMPERIAL PIGEON Ducula carola Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte
spotted imperial pigeonilocos nortepasuquinbirdphilippineswild birdendemictonjiandsylviabirdlistsylvia ramos
