Nicobar pigeon

Scientific name: Caloenas nicobarica

IUCN listed as: Near Threatened

Learn before you visit!

Here are some facts about the species – Discover what they eat, find out about their natural habitat, see what they like to do, and more… Set the reading style to suit you too, everyday speak or something aimed towards children.

Child-friendly

Everyday

Diet

Nicobar Pigeons have a varied diet that includes fruits, seeds, and small invertebrates like insects and crustaceans. They are primarily frugivorous, meaning they mainly eat fruits found on the ground or in trees. They also forage along coastal areas where they can find molluscs and other small marine creatures. Their strong beaks help them crack open tough shells to access their food. This diet provides them with the necessary nutrients to stay healthy and active in their natural habitat.

Nicobar Pigeons eat lots of fruits like berries and seeds they find on the ground and in trees. Sometimes they even eat small bugs and sea creatures like crabs they find along the beach. Their strong beaks help them open tough shells to get to the tasty bits inside.

Breeding

During the breeding season, Nicobar Pigeons form monogamous pairs. The males perform courtship displays to attract females, which may involve puffing up their chest feathers and cooing softly. Females typically lay one egg in a simple nest made from twigs and leaves, usually placed on the ground or in low vegetation. Both parents take turns incubating the egg for about 4 weeks until it hatches. After hatching, both parents care for the chick, feeding it with regurgitated food until it is ready to leave the nest.

These pigeons find a special friend and do a little dance to show they like each other. The mummy pigeon makes a nest from sticks and leaves on the ground or in a low bush and lays one egg. Both mum and dad take turns keeping the egg warm until it hatches, and they both feed the baby bird until it can fly.

Habitat

Nicobar Pigeons are native to the Nicobar Islands in the Indian Ocean and nearby regions. They inhabit dense tropical forests, mangroves, and coastal areas. These birds prefer areas with access to freshwater sources and abundant fruit-bearing trees where they can roost and find food. Their natural habitat provides them with protection from predators and suitable conditions for breeding and raising their young.

Nicobar Pigeons live on islands in the Indian Ocean where it’s warm and there are lots of trees and bushes. They like places with fresh water and trees with lots of fruits where they can sleep and find food. These birds like to stay in places where they’re safe from animals that might want to catch them.

At the zoo

Nicobar Pigeons are occasionally found in zoos due to their striking appearance and unique behaviours. They require aviaries that resemble their natural habitat, with plenty of vegetation and areas to explore. Zookeepers provide them with a diet rich in fruits, seeds, and insects to mimic their wild diet and ensure their nutritional needs are met.

Nicobar Pigeons are sometimes seen in zoos because they look so pretty and are fun to watch. They need a big home with lots of trees and places to explore, just like their real home in the jungle. Zookeepers give them fruits, seeds, and sometimes bugs to eat to keep them healthy and happy.

Behaviour

Nicobar Pigeons are known for their striking iridescent plumage, which can shimmer in shades of green, purple, and copper. They are strong flyers and can travel long distances between islands in search of food and suitable habitats. These pigeons are social birds, often seen in small flocks or pairs, and communicate through soft cooing calls. They are also adept swimmers and may wade into shallow waters to find food like crustaceans and molluscs.

Nicobar Pigeons have shiny feathers that can be green, purple, or coppery like a rainbow. They can fly really far between islands where they live, looking for food and new places to live. These pigeons like to be with their friends and talk to each other with soft sounds that sound like they’re saying hello. They can even swim and walk around in water to find food like crabs.

Fun facts

  • Shiny Feathers: Nicobar Pigeons have feathers that shimmer in shades of green, purple, and copper when they catch the sunlight.
  • Dancing for Love: These pigeons perform special dances to impress their mates and show off their colourful feathers.
  • Beachcombers: They sometimes search for food along the beaches, eating small crabs and other creatures they find in the sand.
  • Nest Builders: Nicobar Pigeons make their nests from sticks and leaves on the ground or in bushes, where they lay their eggs.
  • Social Birds: They like to live in small groups with their friends, cooing softly to communicate with each other.
  • Shiny Feathers: Nicobar Pigeons have feathers that shine in the sunlight with colours like green, purple, and copper.
  • Dancing for Love: These pigeons dance to show their friends how cool they are and make them think they’re really special.
  • Beachcombers: Sometimes they look for food on the beach, like small crabs and other things hiding in the sand.
  • Nest Builders: Nicobar Pigeons make their homes from sticks and leaves on the ground or in bushes where they lay their eggs.
  • Social Birds: They like to be with their friends and talk to each other with soft sounds that sound like they’re saying hello.

More animals to discover at our zoo

Quick Links

Book Ahead

Tickets & Prices

You can buy tickets for Exmoor Zoo securely online, as well as finding out more price options, discover offers, and more…

Events & Experiences

What’s on…

Exmoor Zoo hosts incredible Events all through the year. You can find out about what we’ve got in store here…

Finding Exmoor Zoo

Routes & info

Like any great discovery, Exmoor Zoo can feel a little off the beaten path – but don’t worry – you can plan your journey with our recommended routes and other useful travel info.