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Green-naped pheasant pigeon
The green‑naped pheasant‑pigeon is a distinctive ground‑dwelling bird native to New Guinea and nearby islands, where it inhabits the forest floors of primary lowland and hilly rainforests. With its chunky pigeon‑like body, rich brown plumage, and a striking metallic green nape, it has an unmistakable appearance that resembles a pheasant more than a typical pigeon.
You can find our pair of pheasant-pigeons roaming the bottom of the Tropical House exhibit, by the waterfall.
Class:
Aves
Order:
Columbiformes
Family:
Columbidae
About the green-naped pheasant-pigeon
These birds spend most of their time walking through the undergrowth, searching for fallen fruit, seeds, and the occasional invertebrate. Their strong legs and pheasant‑like stance make them perfectly suited to a life on the forest floor, while their flight is typically short and direct, used mainly when escaping predators.
Green‑naped pheasant‑pigeons are generally solitary or found in pairs. They are known for their deep, resonant calls that carry through dense vegetation, helping individuals locate one another in the vast rainforest habitat.
Conservation
This species is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, but it faces growing pressure from forest loss across New Guinea and surrounding islands. Large areas of primary rainforest are being cleared for agriculture and timber, reducing the undisturbed forest floor habitat the species relies on. Conservation efforts focus on protecting remaining forest and maintaining healthy ecosystems where ground‑dwelling birds like the pheasant‑pigeon can thrive.