Rufescent Imperial-Pigeon Ducula chalconota Scientific name definitions

37–39 cm; 613 g. Head and neck dark blue-grey; throat pinkish brown, shading to dark chestnut on belly and flanks, and pale chestnut on undertail-coverts; upperparts shining bronzy green or emerald-green, with extensive purplish red iridescence on mantle, back and rump; tail bluish black with dark grey terminal band; iris dark red; bill blackish, dark red at base; legs purplish red. Sexes similar, but female often shows less reddish iridescence. Juvenile similar but duller. Race smaragdina slightly larger; greener above, largely lacking reddish purple iridescence on mantle, back and rump.

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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.

Primary montane forests, generally at altitude range of 1400–2500 m, though occasionally down to 1100 m.

No information.

Frugivorous, feeding on figs and large fruits. Forages in middle and upper storeys of forest; usually solitary or in pairs.

Not very vocal. Produces a slow, deep, mournful, hummed series of three notes slurred together; also a mournful, low ‘hoo’ and, when alarmed, a hollow knock (1 Pratt, T. K., and B. M. Beehler (2015) Birds of New Guinea. Second edition. Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ, USA. Close ).

Undescribed. Birds in breeding condition were collected on Mt Misim (Morobe Province) in Feb and Mar.

Not globally threatened (Least Concern). Very little information available on status; species is described as being generally uncommon to rare in its relatively remote habitat. Research and survey work required in order to establish current population size, trends and potential threats, as well as any conservation measures that may be needed.