The metallic pigeon, (''Columba vitiensis'') also known as white-throated pigeon is a medium-sized, up to 37 cm long, bird in the family Dove, Columbidae.

Identification

The adult has an iridescent purple and green crown, black wing and uppertail coverts, yellowish red Iris (anatomy), iris, yellow Beak, bill, red orbital skin, white or grey chin and ear coverts, and purplish feet. It has a dull chestnut or glossed purple green below, depends on subspecies. The nominate form ''C. v. vitiensis'' from Fiji has a dull underparts, while subspecies ''C. v. halmaheira'' of Maluku Islands has the most iridescent plumage. Both sexes are similar. The young is duller than adult.

Distribution

The metallic pigeon is distributed to tropical forests of eastern Indonesia, the Philippines, New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Fiji, New Caledonia, Samoa and surrounding southwest Pacific islands. A subspecies, the Lord Howe pigeon, used to exist on Lord Howe Island in Australia, but was exterminated by hunting c. 1853.

Food

The diet consists mainly of various fruits, grains, seeds and berries. The female usually lays one to two eggs.

Conservation

Widespread and common throughout its large range, the metallic pigeon is evaluated as being of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Gallery

Image:IanthoenasGriseogularisKeulemans.jpg, ''C. vitiensis griseogularis'' Image:Metallic Pigeon RWD7.jpg, At San Diego Zoo Image:LordHoweIslandPigeonByGeorgeRaper.jpg, ''C. vitiensis godmanae''

References

* Higgins, P.J.; & Davies, S.J.J.F. (Eds.). (1996). ''Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Volume 3. Snipe to Pigeons''. Oxford University Press: Melbourne.

External links

BirdLife Species Factsheet
{{Taxonbar, from=Q863202 Columba (genus), metallic pigeon Birds of Melanesia Birds of the Philippines Birds of Wallacea Birds described in 1830, metallic pigeon Taxa named by Jean René Constant Quoy Taxa named by Joseph Paul Gaimard