Ashy-headed Green Pigeon (Treron phayrei) – A Comprehensive Study
Taxonomy & Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Columbiformes
- Family: Columbidae
- Genus: Treron
- Species: Treron phayrei
The Ashy-headed Green Pigeon (Treron phayrei) belongs to the family Columbidae, which includes pigeons and doves. It is a frugivorous, arboreal bird that prefers dense tropical forests.
Morphology & Physical Description
- Size: Approximately 25–27 cm in length
- Wingspan: Around 40 cm
- Weight: 130–190 grams
- Plumage:
- Head & Neck: Ashy-grey, giving the species its name
- Upperparts: Vibrant olive-green
- Underparts: Yellowish-green
- Wings: Green with yellow-edged primaries
- Tail: Dark greenish-grey with a pale terminal band
- Eyes: Reddish or orange
- Beak: Pale greenish with a bluish base
- Legs & Feet: Reddish or pinkish
Sexual Dimorphism
- Males typically have brighter plumage than females.
- Females tend to be duller and more uniformly green, lacking the prominent ashy head coloration.
Habitat & Distribution
The Ashy-headed Green Pigeon is primarily found in:
- Evergreen and semi-evergreen forests
- Tropical and subtropical broadleaf forests
- Mangroves and riverine woodlands
Global Distribution
It is distributed across South and Southeast Asia, including:
- India (Northeastern states, West Bengal, Sundarban region)
- Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam
Presence in the Sundarban
The Sundarban, known for its unique mangrove ecosystem, serves as an important refuge for the Ashy-headed Green Pigeon.
- Prefers dense mangrove forests and coastal woodland patches
- Often seen near fruiting trees like figs, wild berries, and mangrove-associated plants
- Observed in the buffer zones of the Sundarban Biosphere Reserve, where forest-fruit availability is high
Although not as commonly sighted as other pigeon species, its presence in the Sundarban highlights the region’s biodiversity richness.
Feeding Behavior & Diet
The Ashy-headed Green Pigeon is frugivorous, relying heavily on wild fruits.
- Primary diet includes:
- Figs (Ficus species)
- Wild berries
- Mangrove seeds and soft fruits
- Occasionally flowers and buds
Foraging Strategy
- Arboreal feeder, rarely descending to the ground
- Uses strong feet to grip branches while plucking fruit
- Helps in seed dispersal, playing a vital role in forest regeneration
Breeding & Nesting
- Breeding Season: March to July
- Nesting Sites: Built in dense foliage, hidden within the tree canopy
- Nest Type: Simple platform nest made of twigs
- Clutch Size: Usually 1–2 eggs
- Incubation: 14–16 days, with both parents sharing incubation duties
- Chick Development: Nestlings fledge within 10–12 days
Vocalization & Communication
- Call Type: Soft cooing sounds, often repeated in short intervals
- Alarm Calls: Louder and harsher, used to warn against predators
- Mating Calls: Gentle, rhythmic coos to attract mates
Special Adaptations
- Excellent Camouflage: Green plumage blends perfectly with dense foliage, making it difficult for predators to spot.
- Arboreal Lifestyle: Strong feet allow efficient perching on tree branches.
- Frugivory & Seed Dispersal: Plays a crucial ecological role by aiding forest regeneration.
- Mangrove Adaptation: Can tolerate saline conditions of the Sundarban, unlike many other pigeon species.
Threats & Conservation Status
Major Threats
- Habitat loss due to deforestation & human encroachment
- Hunting & illegal pet trade in some parts of Asia
- Climate change impacts, affecting mangrove health
- Cyclones & storms, frequently occurring in the Sundarban, disrupting nesting habitats
Conservation Status
- IUCN Status: Least Concern (LC)
- Protection Measures:
- Listed under CITES Appendix II, restricting international trade
- Found in protected reserves like the Sundarban Biosphere Reserve
Conclusion
The Ashy-headed Green Pigeon (Treron phayrei) is a beautiful, frugivorous pigeon that thrives in tropical forests, including the Sundarban mangrove ecosystem. Its role as a seed disperser highlights its ecological significance in maintaining forest diversity.
Conservation Priority
Preserving the Sundarban and its fruiting tree population is essential for sustaining this species. Strengthening habitat protection measures will ensure that the Ashy-headed Green Pigeon continues to flourish in this delicate ecosystem.