The Ashy-headed Green Pigeon is a bird species known for its beautiful coloration and interesting behavior. They are arboreal birds, meaning they spend most of their time in trees and are often found in small flocks of 6 to 8 individuals. They have a distinct call, which sounds like "whoo-oo-oo."
In terms of flying behavior, Ashy-headed Green Pigeons are typically slow and clumsy fliers, staying low to the ground and flapping their wings frequently. They have a relatively short flight distance and are not known for long-distance migration.
The ecological importance of this species lies in their role as seed dispersers. They primarily feed on fruit and will ingest seeds, which they then excrete while perched in trees. This helps to spread seeds and promote the growth of new vegetation.
The Ashy-headed Green Pigeon is a medium-sized bird, typically measuring around 25cm in length. They have a distinct ash-colored head, with a green back and wings, and a pinkish underbelly. One way to identify them is by their flight pattern, which is often described as a "bat-like" fluttering.
For novice bird watchers, identifying the Ashy-headed Green Pigeon can be challenging, but their distinct coloration and flight pattern can help. They can also be found in areas where other fruit-eating birds are present, such as bulbuls and barbets, which can aid in identification.
Overall, the Ashy-headed Green Pigeon is an important seed disperser and a beautiful bird to observe in the trees.
The Ashy-headed Green Pigeon is a colorful bird found in South and Southeast Asia. It is known for its distinctive green and grey plumage and its preference for forested habitats. Interestingly, they are often seen perching on tree branches in pairs or small groups, making soft cooing sounds.
In terms of flying behavior, the Ashy-headed Green Pigeon is known to fly in short bursts, often from one tree to another. They generally fly at a low to medium height, covering a distance of around 200-300 meters in a single flight. They are not known to undertake long-distance migrations.
The Ashy-headed Green Pigeon plays an important ecological role as a seed disperser, as they feed on various fruits and berries and then distribute the seeds throughout their range. They are also known to consume small insects and larvae.
The Ashy-headed Green Pigeon can be identified by its distinctive green and grey plumage, with males having a brighter green head and females having a duller green head. They are similar in size to other pigeons and doves, with a length of around 27-29 cm and a wingspan of around 40-45 cm.
In Nepal, the Ashy-headed Green Pigeon can be found in forested habitats, especially in the Terai and lowland areas. Some hotspots for spotting this bird include Chitwan National Park, Bardia National Park, and Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. They can often be seen perching on the branches of trees, so looking for them in forested areas with tall trees is recommended.
The Ashy-headed Green Pigeon is found in tropical and subtropical regions across southern Asia, from the Indian subcontinent to Southeast Asia. It inhabits forests, woodlands, and gardens. The bird was first described in 1875 by the British naturalist Arthur Viscount Walden.
Males and females have a similar appearance, but males are slightly larger than females. The Ashy-headed Green Pigeon belongs to the same family as other pigeons and doves, including the common pigeon and spotted dove.
The best time to spot this bird is during the summer breeding season when they are most active, which varies across its range. They are arboreal and prefer to perch in the upper branches of trees, making them difficult to spot. Their distinctive call is a low, throaty "wooo".
The IUCN lists the Ashy-headed Green Pigeon as a species of Least Concern, indicating that it is not currently considered to be at risk of extinction. In Nepal, it is a common resident bird found in the forested regions of the lowland and mid-hills, including the Chitwan National Park and Bardia National Park. Look for them in trees with fruit, such as figs, which make up a large part of their diet.