Silvery pigeon

Silvery Pigeon (Columba argentina) is a species of bird in the family Columbidae, which includes pigeons and doves. It is native to the Southeast Asian region, particularly found in the countries of Indonesia and Malaysia. This species has been classified as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to habitat loss and a declining population.

Description

The Silvery Pigeon is a medium-sized pigeon, measuring approximately 25 cm in length. The bird's plumage is predominantly silvery-grey, with darker wings and a white underbelly. It has a small head, short legs, and a slender bill. The eyes are surrounded by a thin, bare skin that is typically a vibrant red, adding to its distinctive appearance.

Habitat and Distribution

Originally, the Silvery Pigeon was widespread across the coastal areas and islands of Sumatra, Java, and Borneo in Indonesia, as well as parts of Malaysia. Its natural habitats are tropical and subtropical moist lowland forests, mangroves, and areas of dense undergrowth near coastlines. However, the extent of its range has significantly decreased due to deforestation and the conversion of its habitat into agricultural land.

Behaviour and Ecology

The Silvery Pigeon is a frugivore, primarily feeding on fruits from forest trees. Little is known about its breeding habits, but it is presumed to nest in trees, laying one or two eggs. The species is thought to be sedentary, with limited movements within its habitat range.

Conservation Status

The IUCN has listed the Silvery Pigeon as Critically Endangered. The primary threats to its survival are habitat destruction and fragmentation, particularly from logging and the expansion of palm oil plantations. The bird's population is believed to be small and rapidly declining, making it one of the world's most endangered pigeon species. Conservation efforts are urgently needed to protect the remaining habitat and to implement breeding programs to increase its population.

See Also

• List of critically endangered birds
• Conservation status
• Habitat destruction
• Wildlife conservation