Yellow-footed Green-Pigeon Treron phoenicopterus Scientific name definitions

33 cm; 226–248 g. Top of head, nape and cheeks bluish grey, washed with yellowish green on forehead; throat yellowish green becoming bright mustard-yellow on neck and breast and darker mustard-yellow on hindneck; pale grey band across mantle, separating dark yellow hindneck from yellowish-green upperparts; pale mauve patch on shoulder of wing; primaries and secondaries blackish, edged light yellow; broader yellow edges to greyish-green greater wing-coverts ; basal half of tail feathers washed yellowish green, rest slate-grey; underparts except breast pale bluish grey washed yellowish green, and flank feathers edged whitish or yellow; tibia and upper tarsus yellow; undertail-coverts purplish chestnut with broad buffy tips; undertail blackish on basal half, silvery grey distally; orbital skin pale greenish or pale grey; bill greyish white, pale grey or pale greenish, darker at base; legs and feet bright yellow or yellowish orange. Female similar but duller, with smaller mauve shoulder patch. Juvenile duller and paler than adult, with little or no mauve on shoulder. Race <em>chlorigaster</em> has yellow legs, most of underparts greenish yellow, and little or no greenish yellow on forehead or tail ; phillipsi smaller and duller, with green of upperparts strongly tinged grey; viridifrons has bright greenish-yellow forehead, and little or no yellowish-green suffusion on grey underparts; <em>annamensis</em> like previous race but much duller, especially in green and yellow areas of plumage.

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Editor's Note: Additional distribution information for this taxon can be found in the 'Subspecies' article above. In the future we will develop a range-wide distribution article.

Forest, scrubland, parks and gardens in lowlands and foothills; avoids high mountains, but found through lowlands of Nepal. In Pakistan, often associated with towns, especially where pipal (Ficus religiosa) trees have been planted along streets.

Generally resident, with local movements in response to fruit availability. In Pakistan, locally nomadic, visiting Punjab in winter and probably only very rarely staying to breed.

Frugivorous, feeding on a variety of drupes, berries (including mulberries) and wild figs (Moraceae); figs are particularly important part of the diet; other recorded foods include Zizyphus (Rhamnaceae), Terminalia (Combretaceae), Buchanania (Anacardiaceae) and Eugenia (Myrtaceae); also reported to feed on buds, shoots and cultivated grain. Will come to the ground to visit salt-licks; usually seen in small flocks of up to 10 individuals, which may gather into large congregations at abundant food sources.

Not well documented. Rather loose phrases of modulated mellow whistles. Often a short rising whistle immediately followed by a longer falling one.

Peak breeding Mar–Apr in India; season Mar–Jun in Bangladesh (2 Jahan, I., Das, D.K. and Khan, M.M.H. (2016). Nesting behaviour of Yellow-footed Green Pigeon Treron phoenicopterus and Small Minivet Pericrocotus cinnamomeus at Jahangirnagar University Campus, Savar, Bangladesh. BirdingASIA. 26: 84–86. Close ). Nest is a relatively slight platform of twigs, grasses, leaves and feathers in a tree or shrub (e.g. Albizia procera, Delbergia sissoo) up to 19 m above ground, constructed by both sexes over period of 6–7 days (2 Jahan, I., Das, D.K. and Khan, M.M.H. (2016). Nesting behaviour of Yellow-footed Green Pigeon Treron phoenicopterus and Small Minivet Pericrocotus cinnamomeus at Jahangirnagar University Campus, Savar, Bangladesh. BirdingASIA. 26: 84–86. Close ); two or more pairs will often nest in close proximity, sometimes in the same tree; nest often placed in a tree that holds a Black Drongo (Dicrurus macrocercus) nest, presumably to gain protection from the vigilance of that aggressive species. Lays two white eggs; incubation reported to last c. 21 days, by both sexes (mainly the female) (2 Jahan, I., Das, D.K. and Khan, M.M.H. (2016). Nesting behaviour of Yellow-footed Green Pigeon Treron phoenicopterus and Small Minivet Pericrocotus cinnamomeus at Jahangirnagar University Campus, Savar, Bangladesh. BirdingASIA. 26: 84–86. Close ), with a fledging period at one nest of 22 days (2 Jahan, I., Das, D.K. and Khan, M.M.H. (2016). Nesting behaviour of Yellow-footed Green Pigeon Treron phoenicopterus and Small Minivet Pericrocotus cinnamomeus at Jahangirnagar University Campus, Savar, Bangladesh. BirdingASIA. 26: 84–86. Close ).

Not globally threatened. Few precise details available, but species widespread and considered to be common in many parts of its extensive range. In Pakistan, common in Punjab, having probably expanded range and increased in number over last 50+ years, due to spread of irrigation and tree plantations; often occurs in towns. Uncommon in Thailand, where appears to have declined. Uncommon and very local in Sri Lanka.