The Metallic pigeon (Columba vitiensis) also known as the white-throated pigeon is a medium-sized species with a wide-ranged distribution in Malesia (opens in new tab).
Its distinctive triangular throat patch varies in color according to where the bird is found, differing between various islands.
Origins of the Metallic Pigeon
The metallic pigeon is a wild species of the pigeon and dove family, Columbidae.
There are several subspecies, which differ mainly in colour. They probably arose as the bird spread to different islands in the region.
The pigeon received its binomial name in 1830 from Quoy (French zoologist) & Gaimard (French naturalist).
Distribution And Habitat of the Metallic Pigeon
The metallic pigeon has a wide range, from the Philippines and eastern Indonesia (including Timor) through New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and New Caledonia to Fiji and Samoa.
The Lord Howe pigeon, a subspecies of the metallic pigeon used to exist in Australia. It was only ever found on Lord Howe Island in the Tasman Sea, but it was hunted to extinction in the 1850s.
This was the southernmost extreme of its range. Today, its southern limit is New Caledonia in the Coral Sea.
The metallic pigeon is quite adaptable to different habitats and is found at various altitudes in tropical forests and scrublands and is not unhappy close to human settlements, particularly on the smaller islands.
There is some evidence that the metallic pigeon may make some short migrations between islands but it is not classed as a migratory bird.
It is, however, nomadic in nature and will undertake irregular local movements in search of food.
Red List Status of the Metallic Pigeon
With its large range, this species is classed as “least concern (opens in new tab)” on the IUCN Red List.
Hunting rules differ between countries, and in parts of its range it is hunted for food.
Appearance of the Metallic Pigeon
| Wingspan | Length | Weight | Coloring | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metallic Pigeon | Not well documented | 35 – 37 cm | 320 – 360 g | Dark with a purple and green gloss; white or grey throat patch |
| Average Feral Pigeon | 64 – 72 cm | 29 – 37 cm | 240 – 380 g | Bluish grey with some black |
The coloring of the metallic pigeon is quite variable in different locations.
All subspecies share a head and neck of iridescent feathers of purple and green but the main body color depends on the subspecies and may be a dull purplish-chestnut color or a glossy purple-green.
Wings are black and broad as are the upper tail coverts. The tail is fan-shaped.
It has reddish to purplish feet with large claws, a yellowish bill and reddish-yellow irises.
Its most distinctive feature is the throat, which is much paler than the body and head. The throat patch can range from white to pale creamy-grey.
Both sexes share the same coloring while the younger birds will sport a duller plumage.
Character of the Metallic Pigeon
The Metallic pigeon is happy on the ground and in trees, moving between them to forage for food.
They are not known for being particularly skittish birds, happily living near humans, especially on smaller islands.
It has a few different vocalizations including a deep booming coo and a higher-pitched “COOroo…COOroo…COOroo..”
Its lifespan in the wild is not well documented.
Diet of the Metallic Pigeon
Mostly a fruit eater, the metallic pigeon also eats seeds and berries.
Its primary source of food is ficus trees (figs) and these will vary according to geographical location of the bird.
For example, in New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, the metallic pigeon will eat the fruit of the Ficus bernaysii, whereas another food source, the Ficus wassa, is found across Malesia.
Metallic Pigeon Mating And Breeding
Though the Metallic pigeon is thought to breed throughout the year, it is believed that the peak period is the rainy season.
Pairs build flimsy nests of twigs and leaves, and the female usually lays a single egg.
The egg is incubated by both parents, and the chick is fed crop milk. Incubation and fledging times for this species are not well documented.
Care Of Metallic Pigeons
The metallic pigeon is not usually kept or bred in captivity, so the main way to help it is to protect its natural habitats.
Last updated 24 October 2026 · Types