Yellow-footed Green Pigeon

Scientific Name: Treron phoenicopterus

Classification: Order: Columbiformes; Family: Columbidae

Yellow-footed Green Pigeon

Brief Description

A social, arboreal pigeon known for its vibrant green plumage and bright yellow feet. It is often found in small groups, moving through the canopy of fruiting trees.

Additional Information

  • Region of Origin: Indian Subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia
  • Typical Sighting Period: Year-round; most visible during fruiting seasons of Ficus trees
  • Plumage Details: Generally olive-green with a yellow belly. It typically features a lilac patch on the shoulder (more prominent in males), yellow legs, and a grayish crown. The neck often has a yellowish-green tinge.
  • Ecological Significance: Crucial seed dispersers for many forest trees, particularly wild figs, helping maintain forest health and biodiversity.
  • Conservation Status: Least Concern (IUCN), population trend stable
  • Observation Tips: Look for them in fruiting Ficus trees in gardens, parks, and secondary forests; they are masters of camouflage among green leaves.

Size & Weight

Length: 29-33 cm; Weight: 225-260 g

Diet

Mainly frugivorous, feeding primarily on fruit, especially wild figs and berries.

Habitat

Open forest, gardens, cultivated areas with large fruiting trees, and secondary growth.

Migration

Resident, though often nomadic in response to local fruit availability.

Voice (Call & Song)

A musical, mellow whistling call consisting of several rising and falling notes, very different from common pigeon coos.

Nesting & Breeding

Pairs build a flimsy platform nest of twigs in a tree. They usually lay 2 white eggs, and both parents share incubation duties.

Key Field Marks

Bright yellow legs/feet, lilac shoulder patch, yellow band on the wing, and green plumage with a yellowish-green neck collar.

Similar Species

Orange-breasted Green Pigeon (distinguished by the orange breast patch) and Thick-billed Green Pigeon (distinguished by the heavy greenish beak).

Interesting Facts

It is the state bird of Maharashtra, India. Unlike many birds, they frequently forage at the very top of trees and can hang upside down to reach fruit.