Elegant Imperial-Pigeon

About the Elegant Imperial-Pigeon

The elegant imperial pigeon (Ducula concinna), also known as blue-tailed imperial-pigeon, is a large pigeon, with upperparts mainly dark blue-green in colour with an iridescent sheen. Head, neck and underparts are mostly pale grey, with red-brown undertail coverts.

The elegant imperial pigeon was originally described as Carpophaga concinna by Alfred Russel Wallace in 1865 based on specimens from the Watubela Islands. The elegant imperial pigeon is a large pigeon, measuring 43 cm (17 in) in length. The head, neck, and upper back are pale grey, with a pink tinge on the nape and back of the crown. The rest of the upperparts are shimmering dark green, while the top of the tail is purplish-blue, sometimes appearing black. The underparts are pale grey with a pink tinge, while the undertail coverts are reddish-brown. The undersides of the tail and wing are black. The bill is black or bluish-grey, with a ring of white feathers at its base, the iris is golden, and the feet are pinkish-red to crimson. Both sexes are similar, but females have darker grey and pink colours. Juveniles are duller than adults.

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