Pheasant pigeon


The pheasant pigeon is a species of large terrestrial pigeon. It is the only species of the monotypic genus Otidiphaps. The pheasant pigeon is found in the primary rainforests of New Guinea and nearby islands. It ranges primarily over hilly and lower mountain areas, but can also be found in lowlands.

Taxonomy and systematics

The genus name makes reference to its similarities to the bustard family. Its common name reflects its adaptation to living on the forest floor in the fashion of a South East Asian pheasant.

Subspecies

Commonly, there are four subspecies recognized that differ primarily in the presence or absence of a small crest and in the colour of the nape:
Some authors however recognize the 4 subspecies as 4 different species, a classification scheme followed by the IUCN.

Description

The pheasant pigeon resembles a pheasant in external morphology, particularly in its laterally compressed tail and the rounded wings. No galliform birds occur in New Guinea, and the pheasant pigeon has filled the ecological niche of a partridge or small pheasant. It is a highly secretive species, feeding on seeds and fallen fruits. It nests on the ground below trees and bushes, laying one egg that it incubates for around four weeks.

Status and conservation

The green-naped pheasant pigeon and the grey-naped pheasant pigeon are not considered threatened, although the black-naped pheasant pigeon is considered endangered and the white-naped pheasant pigeon is vulnerable. Because it is tied to primary forests, and is unique within the pigeon family, it is considered a genus that requires further investigation and monitoring.