| Imperial pigeons | |
|---|---|
| Torresian Imperial Pigeon | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Columbiformes |
| Family: | Columbidae |
| Genus: | Ducula Hodgson, 1836 |
| Species | |
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see text |
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Ducula is a genus of bird in the pigeon family Columbidae; these pigeons are very large and are called imperial pigeons. Most imperial pigeon species show contrasting light coloration of the head, neck, and belly with darker back and wings. Some species are white with black wings and tails, others are shades of pinkish-gray or blue-ish gray with dark green, blue, or brown backs and wings. Some species have remarkable features such as bulbous ceres or colored markings around the eyes. Imperial pigeons dwell in trees and eat fruit, thus most species are restricted to undisturbed forest habitats such as rainforest. They are strong flyers.
Gibbs, David; Barnes, Eustace; Cox, John (2001). Pigeons and Doves: A Guide to the Pigeons and Doves of the World. Yale University Press. pp. 148–164, 526–572. ISBN 0-300-07886-2.