What kind of bird is a green pigeon? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. This bird can only be seen in Japan, the Korean Peninsula, and China, and in Japan it can be seen from Honshu to Kyushu. Their population is very stable, and they can be seen in various areas, so be sure to take a look.
What is green pigeon? About basic status
The Green Pigeon is a bird classified in the genus Pigeon. The total length is 33cm, the kanji is green pigeon, and the scientific name is Treron sieboldii. The list of information is as follows.
| Japanese（和名） | アオバト |
| English（英名） | White-bellied green-pigeon |
| scientific name(学名) | Treron sieboldii |
| classification（分類） | Ave、 Columbiformes、Columbidae、Treron 鳥綱、ハト目、ハト科、アオバト属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | LEAST CONCERN |
| Length（全長） | 33cm |
| Weight（体重） | 0.5kg |
Taxonomy
- 界 (Kingdom): Animalia（動物界）
- 門 (Phylum): Chordata（脊索動物門）
- 綱 (Class): Aves（鳥綱）
- 目 (Order): Columbiformes（ハト目）
- 科 (Family): Columbidae（ハト科）
- 属 (Genus): Columba（ハト属）
- 種 (Species): Columba janthina（アオバト）
💡 Note: Unlike the common rock pigeon (Columba livia domestica) and the common turtle dove (Columba palumbus), the Japanese green pigeon is characterized by its beautiful blue-green plumage and is primarily adapted to coastal forests and island environments.
About habitat
Green pigeons can be found in Japan (Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu), the Korean Peninsula, and China.
- Natural Distribution (Place of Origin)
Coastal Area of East Asia
Japan (Southwest Islands, southern Kii Peninsula, etc.)
Southern Korea
Coastal Area of China (Zhejiang Province to Fujian Province)
Pacific Islands
Taiwan, Philippines, Indonesia, Palau, Guam, etc.
- Habitat
Live mainly in coastal forests and coastal rocky areas
Prefers pine forests and evergreen forests on coasts and islands
Forages in forests and often rests and bathes on rocky areas near the coast
Altitude
From coastal areas to low and mid-mountain areas (up to approximately 500 m)
- Migration/Migration
Partial migration
Some individuals migrate south in winter
Adapted to transoceanic migration
Inter-island migration has been observed
Mainly lives on coasts and around islands
- Habitat Characteristics
Gathers on coastal rocky areas and rocky ledges to bathe and replenish salt content
Feeds on treetops in coastal forests
Eat mainly nuts and fruits
feature is? What kind of creature is it?
The green pigeon has a dark green upper surface and a bright greenish-yellow color from head to chest. Males can be distinguished from females by the reddish-brown feathers on their wings. As its name suggests, it is olive-colored overall and prefers broad-leaved forests and mixed coniferous forests, and lives alone or sometimes in groups of about 10 individuals. In China, it is a winter bird, and in Hokkaido, it is a summer bird.
- Appearance and Physical Characteristics
Body Size
Body Length: Approximately 32-36 cm
Weight: Approximately 180-250 g
Body Color
Back and Wings: Shiny blue-green to blue-gray
Chest and Belly: Pale gray
The green and blue shimmer depending on the angle of the light, creating a beautiful metallic sheen
Face and Beak
The face is small, and the beak is pale gray.
The eyes are black, giving the face a gentle impression.
Tail Feathers
Slightly long, and the feather color is beautiful in flight.
💡 Appearance: Although small, this beautiful pigeon stands out against the coastal forest with its lustrous blue-green color.
- Behavior/Personality
Timid and cautious
Sensitive to humans and large birds, they quickly take flight when they sense danger
Sometimes live in flocks
They form small flocks of a few to a dozen birds, especially when resting or recharging on the coast
High flying ability
Adapted for agile flight between islands and in coastal forests
Quiet and reserved
Not as vocal as other pigeons
- Diet
Mainly plant-based
Eats mainly nuts and fruits from coastal forests
Salt intake behavior
May ingest minerals from seawater or coastal rocks
What does the ecology look like?
Green pigeons are herbivores, subsisting on fruits and seeds. Green pigeons are known to go to the coast and drink seawater because of a lack of minerals. They build a saucer-shaped nest made of bundled tree branches on top of a tree and lay their eggs in June. They only lay two eggs and have a lifespan of 10 to 20 years.
- Living Environment
Main Habitat
Coastal forests, evergreen forests, and island forests
Rests and replenishes salt on coastal rocks and rock shelves
Altitude
Near the coast to low mountainous areas (approximately 0-500 m)
- Diet
Mainly plant-based
Eats nuts and fruits from trees in coastal forests and on islands
May also eat young shoots and leaves
Salt Replenishment
Has the habit of drinking seawater from coastal rocks and ingesting salt from rocks
Very rarely consumes animal matter such as insects
- Sociality/Swarming
Live alone or in small groups
Often gathers in groups to replenish salt and rest on the coast
Highly agile flying ability
Adapted for island-to-island migration and rapid flight within coastal forests
- Breeding Behavior
Nest Building
Builds simple, dish-shaped nests in trees on islands or in coastal forests.
Breeding Season
Breeding typically occurs in spring and summer, depending on the region.
Number of Eggs
Usually 1-2
Parent Roles
Both parents take turns incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks after they hatch.
- Migration/Migration
Partial Migratory Behavior
Some individuals migrate southward during winter or food shortages.
Mainly lives along coasts and around islands.
Long-distance migration is rare.
Are there any natural enemies?
The green pigeon’s natural enemies are large birds. Eggs are especially targeted.
About Green Pigeon Chicks
This article provides detailed information about green pigeon (Columba janthina) chicks. Green pigeons breed in the trees of coastal forests and islands, and their chicks have characteristics adapted to their environment.
- Birth and Hatching
Number of Eggs: Usually 1-2
Incubation Period: Approximately 17-19 days
Characteristics Immediately After Hatching
Feathers: Soft, pale gray or whitish down
Small, soft beak
Incomplete flight
- Life in the Nest
Nest Location
Simple, dish-shaped nests built in the trees of islands and coastal forests
Parental Care
Both parents take turns incubating the eggs
Even after hatching, parents feed them (fruit and nuts) by mouth
Hide the chicks or defend the nest in times of danger
- Developmental Stage
Early Stage (~2 weeks after hatching)
Feathers are soft and flightless
Completely dependent on parental temperature control and food
Middle Stage (2 weeks to 1 month)
Feathers grow and bodies become stronger
Begin practicing pecking for food by imitating their parents
Late Stage (1-1.5 months)
Feathers approach those of adult birds, enabling short-distance flight
Begin preparing to leave the nest
- Fledging
Time to learn to fly: Approximately 1.5 to 2 months
After leaving the nest
Initially fly close to parents
Gradually become independent and begin foraging for fruit
- Characteristics and Biology
Feathers are lighter in color than adults
Learn how to forage with the guidance and care of their parents
A safe nesting environment in coastal forests is important for chick survival
Is the green pigeon an endangered species?
The green pigeon is not an endangered species. The population is very stable.
- IUCN Red List Assessment
Classification: Near Threatened (NT)
Reason: Populations are declining, particularly due to habitat loss and human activity.
- Causes of Endangerment
Habitat Loss
Deforestation of Coastal Forests and Islands
Habitat Destruction due to Tourism and Development
Impact of Human Activities
Although collection and capture on the coast is rare, there is an indirect impact.
Noise from fishing and tourism, and interference from coastal development
Changes in the Natural Environment
Loss of Nests and Feeding Grounds due to Typhoons and High Tides
- Conservation Status
In Japan, it is sometimes designated as a Natural Monument (Protected in Specific Areas)
Habitat and forest conservation efforts are also underway overseas.
Observation and monitoring are emphasized in response to the declining population trend.
Can green pigeons be kept as pets?
Blue pigeons are designated as natural monuments of Kanagawa Prefecture, so breeding them is not easy.
- Difficulty in Raising
Physical Characteristics
A medium-sized pigeon (approximately 32-36 cm in length, approximately 180-250 g in weight), it is highly wild and wary.
To maintain the beauty of its lustrous feathers, a breeding environment similar to its natural environment is required.
Habitat Dependence
Because they have adapted to coastal forests and island environments, raising them in an artificial environment can be stressful.
High Flying Ability
They require large spaces; small cages do not allow them to fly properly.
- Personality and Behavior
Timid and wary.
They do not easily get used to humans or pets, and stress can damage their feathers or stop them eating.
Tends to live in groups.
Keeping them alone can cause significant psychological stress.
- Laws and Protection
In Japan, there are natural monuments and protected local populations.
Special permission is required for breeding or capture.
Keeping or selling them without permission is against the law.
- Breeding Examples
They are often kept in specialized bird facilities or zoos.
Breeding Requirements:
High flight space and a natural environment
Diet centered on fruits and nuts
An environment that allows parent-like behavior (eating and resting)
Breeding season and chick care
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