Pale-Capped Pigeon

Pale-Capped Pigeon Latest News

In a significant sighting for birdwatchers and conservationists alike, the elusive Pale-capped Pigeon was recently photographed in Dehing Patkai National Park in Assam.

About Pale-Capped Pigeon

• The pale-capped pigeon, also known as the purple wood pigeon, is a large, dark purplish-maroon bird that is found in parts of the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
• Scientific Name: Columba punicea
• Distribution: It is very locally distributed across its broad range, which encompasses parts of northern and northeastern India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia,  and Vietnam. 

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Pale-Capped Pigeon Habitat

• It largely inhabits forest habitats, chiefly, primary or secondary evergreen forests, and bamboo and agricultural fields in close proximity to forests.
• Its range extends from the lowlands up to 1,600 m.

Pale-Capped Pigeon Features

• It is mainly brown above and chestnut below with a sheen of green or amethyst. 
• Males have a whitish-grey-cap while females have a brownish-grey-cap and less gloss on the feathers.
• They are frugivores, foraging in small groups in the canopy of trees but sometimes descending to the ground for seeds and fallen fruit.

Pale-Capped Pigeon Conservation Status

It is classified as ‘Vulnerable‘ under the IUCN Red List.

Key Facts about Dehing Patkai National Park

• It is located in the Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts of Assam.
• It is situated at the foothills of the Patkai Hill Ranges, on the banks of the River Dehing (a tributary of Brahmaputra), and adjacent to the Namdapha Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Also known as the ‘Amazon of the East’, it harbours the longest stretch of tropical lowland rainforests in India. 
• It covers an area of 231.65 sq.km. 
• The climate of the region is mostly tropical, with an annual rainfall of more than 4,000 mm.
• There are more than a dozen different ethnic groups living in the area, including the indigenous Assamese communities, particularly Tai Phake, Khamyang, Khampti, Singpho, Nocte, Ahom, Kaibarta, Moran, and Motok, Burmese, and non-indigenous Nepali people.
• Vegetation: The park is a deciduous rainforest with semi-evergreen and lush green flora.
• Flora: It is dominated by species like Hollong, Nahor, Mekai, Paroli, Simul, various orchids, ferns, cane, and bamboo.
• Fauna: The rich biodiversity includes diverse species such as slow loris, pig-tailed macaque, stump-tailed macaque, capped langur, Indian leopard, Asian elephant, royal Bengal tiger, gaur, Himalayan black bear, clouded leopard, barking deer, Chinese pangolin, etc.

Source: NEN