The pink-necked green pigeon is a beautiful and rare bird found in southeast Asia. This medium-sized, bright green pigeon gets its name from the pink patches on the sides and front of its neck. It is endemic to the forests of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia and Vietnam. While a common sight in these countries decades ago, habitat loss and hunting have caused populations to decline dramatically. Today, spotting a pink-necked green pigeon in the wild requires patience and a bit of luck. However, there are still a few key locations where birdwatchers have the best chance of observing this magnificent bird.
Countries Where the Pink-Necked Green Pigeon can be Found
The pink-necked green pigeon occupies the tropical forests across several southeast Asian countries:
Country | Key Areas |
---|---|
Indonesia | Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Lesser Sunda Islands |
Malaysia | Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo |
Thailand | Southern peninsular, islands |
Myanmar | Tanintharyi Region |
Cambodia | South and southwest |
Vietnam | Southern and central regions |
As the table shows, the pink-necked green pigeon’s range spans many southeast Asian countries, though it is most abundant in Indonesia and Malaysia. Within these countries, it tends to stick to lowland and hill forests up to 1,000 meters in elevation. The birds favor forests with plenty of fruiting trees, which provide their main source of food.
Best Locations to Spot the Pink-Necked Green Pigeon
While the pink-necked green pigeon occupies forests across southeast Asia, some locations offer better luck spotting these birds than others. Here are a few of the top sites:
Gunung Leuser National Park, Indonesia
This vast national park in northern Sumatra protects one of the region’s largest remaining expanses of lowland rainforest. Birdwatchers often catch sight of the vivid green and pink plumage of pink-necked green pigeons feeding on fruiting trees. The pigeons tend to be most active in the mornings and evenings.
Taman Negara, Malaysia
Malaysia’s oldest and largest national park, Taman Negara blankets over 4,000 square kilometers of pristine rainforest. Ornithologists frequently report sightings of the pink-necked green pigeon within the park boundaries. Prime areas include the canopy walkways and fruiting fig trees near the park headquarters.
Khao Yai National Park, Thailand
The lush monsoon forests of Khao Yai offer one of the best chances to observe pink-necked green pigeons in Thailand. Birdwatching groups often spot these skittish birds foraging high in the treetops early in the morning along the park’s many hiking trails. The park’s diverse fruiting trees, like figs and strangler figs, attract the pigeons.
Cat Tien National Park, Vietnam
The jungles of Cat Tien National Park contain some of the last remaining habitat for pink-necked green pigeons in Vietnam. The park was established to protect these rare birds and other endangered wildlife. Visitors stand the best chance of seeing the birds near the fruiting trees close to the park’s crocodile lake.
Behaviors to Watch for When Birding
Looking for some tips to help spot the pink-necked green pigeon during your travels? Here are a few key behaviors to watch for:
Fruit Feeding
Pink-necked green pigeons primarily eat fruit, favoring figs, strangler figs, and other trees common in Asian rainforests. Scope out fruiting trees, particularly early in the morning or late afternoon, to potentially see pigeons.
Fast Flight
Listen for the fast flapping of wings and watch for their blurring green color to pick out these quick-flying birds among the forest canopy. Their flight is direct and swift compared to other pigeons.
High Perches
Watch for the outline of a pink-necked green pigeon on a high, exposed branch. They frequently perch atop the highest trees in a clearing to survey the area before flying to food sources.
Shy and Skittish
Pink-necked green pigeons startle easily. Be quiet when observing them and move slowly. If disturbed, they rapidly fly away or freeze in place, relying on their camouflage.
Small Groups
Look and listen for small flocks of 3 to 10 pink-necked green pigeons, which often travel and roost together. Larger gatherings may form at abundant fruiting trees.
Best Times of Day and Year for Birding
To maximize your chances of observing pink-necked green pigeons, time your visit carefully. Here are tips on the best times:
Morning
Pigeons are most active in the morning hours after roosting overnight, feeding and surveying food sources. Try to arrive at a sighting location at dawn.
Late Afternoon
Catching the last hours of light also increases odds, as pigeons finish feeding for the day before night roosts. Be in position about 3 hours before sunset.
Fruiting Seasons
Time your visit when food sources are plentiful. This varies by location, but typically the late wet season from July to October offers prime fruiting when pigeons are out feeding.
Avoid Mid-Day
As temperatures peak, pigeons rest and are difficult to find. Focus efforts on early morning and late afternoon windows instead.
How to Improve Your Chances of Spotting One
Pink-necked green pigeons are notoriously difficult to spot because of their speedy flight, tree canopy habitat, and shy nature. Here are some tips to up your odds of observing one in the wild:
Hire a Local Guide
Enlist an expert guide who knows prime spots to find the birds and behaviors that increase sightings. They can also assist with spotting and identifying the fast-moving pigeons.
Follow Fruiting Trees
Track trees going into fruiting season – like figs, palm, and banana trees – where pigeons will gather to feed. Check trees daily to see if pigeons are visiting.
Use Playbacks
Playing recordings of pink-necked green pigeon calls can attract them to your location. But use sparingly, as overuse makes birds habituate.
Check Water Sources
Sit quietly at mineral springs, lakes, and rivers first thing in the morning, where pigeons descend to drink and bathe after roosting.
Improve Your Hearing
Listen intently for rustling branches and the characteristic “ku-oo” call of the pigeons – sometimes sound is the first clue that they’re near.
Appreciating the Pink-Necked Green Pigeon
If you are lucky enough to spot the brilliant plumage and red eyes of a pink-necked green pigeon, take a moment to appreciate this special bird. As deforestation and poaching continue to threaten populations, dedicate yourself to protecting vital habitats across southeast Asia. When we conserve fragile ecosystems, rare species like the pink-necked green pigeon have a fighting chance. With mindfulness and care for the natural world, future generations will still be able to observe these magnificent birds in the forests where they belong.
Conclusion
The pink-necked green pigeon is an elusive but spectacular bird restricted to the vanishing rainforests of southeast Asia. Though their numbers have dwindled, attentive birdwatchers still stand a chance of spotting them in protected national parks and reserves in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia and Vietnam. Timing your visit for mornings and late afternoons, watching fruiting trees, and employing local guides improves your odds of observing these shy birds in their canopy home. With some preparation and luck, you may catch sight of the green and pink plumage of the rare pink-necked green pigeon on its swift flight through the forest. The effort provides an unforgettable experience as well as a reminder of our duty to safeguard precious habitats and species.