Nicobar Pigeon
Nicobar Pigeon ( Caloenas nicobarica )
The Nicobar Pigeon ( Caloenas nicobarica ), also called mane dove, Nikobarentaube or Nikobartaube, is a kind of family of pigeons. The crepuscular Nicobar Pigeon is a typical Earth Dove that runs much on the ground and in the branches just resting.
The Nicobar Pigeon is usually considered the sole representative of its genus. Perhaps, however, the extinct Liverpool Pigeon belonged also to the genus Caleonas. DNA analyzes also suggest that the Nicobar Pigeon is closely related to the extinct Dodo likewise.
Appearance
In the male the head is blackish blue-gray, slightly tinged with silvery feathered. On neck and neck he has extended spring strands, the blue, green and bronze iridescence. On the back and on the wings, the feathers are metallic green, the wing and coverts contrast blue. The bill is blackish. The females are slightly smaller and with them the spring strands are less pronounced. Females also have a smaller Schnabelwarze than the males.
Distribution, habitat, food, and breeding
Collar doves are distributed from the Nicobar Islands to the Philippines and New Guinea. Their breeding colonies on wooded atolls and islands comprise sometimes thousands of breeding pairs. The platform- like nests are built in up to twelve feet above the ground in trees. It is not uncommon that several nests are located in a tree.
The nest consists of a single egg, which is incubated by both parents birds. Incubation period is 30 days. The newly hatched young bird is plum without down, the skin. After 70 to 80 days the young bird is fledged. The immature plumage is initially blackish. It lacks the luster green, which is characteristic of the adult birds.
Farming in Europe
The attractive pigeon was brought to Europe towards the end of the 18th century for the first time. 1872 reach the zoo in Paris, the first breeding. A breeding success is supported when several breeding pairs are kept together. The Nicobar Pigeon is commonly seen today in free flight aviaries in zoos. Since the Nicobar Pigeon is one of the specially protected species of pigeons, a marketing authorization is required for trading -bred pups.