The Christmas Island Imperial-Pigeon, (Ducula whartoni), is a large (39 cm in length, 450-700 g in weight) pigeon, mainly dark grey in colour with an iridescent sheen.

Distribution and habitat

The species is endemic to Christmas Island in the eastern Indian Ocean. It inhabits rainforest and secondary growth with fruiting trees.

Behaviour

Diet

Fruit from forest trees with occasional buds and leaves.

Breeding

It builds a platform nest of twigs high in a forest tree.

Voice

It utters a deep booming call.

Conservation

The Christmas Island Imperial-pigeon is classified as Vulnerable because of its small population and restricted distribution. Threats include illegal hunting and predation by introduced Yellow Crazy Ants Anoplolepis gracilipes.

See also

• Birds of Christmas Island