49.1

The Nicobar Pigeon, Caloenas nicobarica, is a pigeon found on small islands and in coastal regions from the Nicobar Islands, east through the Malay Archipelago, to the Solomons and Palau. It is the only living member of the genus Caloenas.

The Nicobar pigeon is one of the most beautiful of the many species of pigeons or doves. Like all pigeons, the Nicobar pigeon is rather thick-set with a relatively small head, but is heavier than most pigeons the same size.

The general coloration is dark green iridescent, with a short white tail. Display plumage of the neck is green with coppery and greenish-blue overtones.

Feathers of the mantle and wing coverts are pointed. The bill is black, the legs are red, and the iris is white in adult females, but brown in sub-adults and males.