Rare Nicoba pigeon appears in Con Dao National Park

Adult Nicobar Pigeon with full plumage, vivid blue

On November 3, while patrolling to protect the forest on the trail on Hon Bay Canh - Con Dao National Park, the Park's Forest Rangers discovered the appearance of Nicobar pigeons.

This is a rare appearance of the Nicobar pigeon in the forest of Con Dao National Park.

In the list of bird species in Con Dao, Nicoba pigeon is one of 6 species in the Red Book of Vietnam and the world.

In Vietnam, this species only appears in Con Dao and Con Dao National Park is planning to protect and develop this rare bird species.

Characteristics of rare birds only found in Con Dao

Nicobar pigeons belong to the order Columbidae, family Columbiformes, genus Caloenas, species Nicobarica pigeons. In Vietnam, they also have other names such as: collared pigeons, white-tailed pigeons, vulture pigeons.

When fully grown, this pigeon is about 34 cm long, with beautiful metallic blue and copper colored body feathers. The neck feathers grow out to form a pleated layer (like a rooster).

The tertiary, secondary and primary feathers are blackish and iridescent blue-purple, particularly prominent on the tertiary feathers.

The bird has a very short tail with white feathers, hidden under the wings and mostly visible when flying. The feathers on the bird's underbelly are completely shiny black.

This bird is easily identified by a small black bump on the head, located at the base of the black hooked beak (near the forehead). This bump is usually larger in males.

The iris is dark brown (from dark grey to greyish white), the iris is black. The legs are strong and large, dark greyish red with long pale yellow claws.

When immature, the young of this species have shiny black feathers. When the young bird is about to leave the nest, the plumage becomes glossy like that of the adult, except that the tail feathers may be partly black and the legs are slightly brown.

Nicobar pigeons forage on the ground, in relatively flat areas with lots of fallen leaves. They find food by pushing leaves aside and digging with their beaks.

Their main food consists of wild fruits, especially very hard seeds, and some ground invertebrates. This species is usually seen foraging alone, sometimes in pairs or threes.

They are sometimes seen foraging with green pigeons. Their foraging time lasts all day from morning to evening.

The foraging areas of this pigeon species are usually in two main habitats: mangrove forests and semi-deciduous evergreen forests.

Habitat and nesting are restricted to small, quiet, wooded islands, free of human presence and undisturbed.

In Con Dao, this bird species is mainly concentrated on Bay Canh Island. Through information collection and document synthesis, Nicoba pigeons are distributed in areas such as Ben Dam and Radar.

The nest of this Nicobar pigeon is very simple, sometimes only 3 to 4 small sticks but arranged firmly so that the eggs do not fall out. A nest has only one egg, the egg is large and white.

Both the male and female incubate the chicks together, and in about 27-29 days the chicks leave the shell. At this time, the chicks are fully fledged for about 5-6 weeks and after another 2 weeks can find food and live independently.

Conservation and development of rare bird species

According to Mr. Le Hong Son, Head of the Department of Conservation and International Cooperation of Con Dao National Park, this is a rare bird species in both Vietnam and the world, with both scientific and aesthetic value, but until now there has not been much research on this bird species except for the previous grassroots survey topic.

In order to protect and conserve this bird species, in the coming time, Con Dao National Park has developed specific plans for implementation, including activities to strengthen protection, monitor research and propaganda so that people can grasp and raise awareness to join hands to protect this rare and beautiful bird species.

Con Dao National Park will increase patrols and inspections in areas where Nicobar pigeons are found; issue regulations prohibiting the destruction of habitat conditions and promptly intervene in the behaviors and activities of organizations or individuals that affect the habitat of birds as well as other animals; strictly punish activities of hunting birds and collecting eggs...

In addition, Con Dao National Park has increased monitoring and research on Nicobar pigeons at a higher level, gradually forming research areas and focusing on monitoring areas to better understand ecological activities to serve the conservation and development of this pigeon species.

Mr. Le Hong Son shared that in the coming time, Con Dao National Park will promote and educate the environment, raise awareness of the local community, especially students, soldiers, fishermen; and tourists to understand the importance of conservation and development of Nicoba pigeons.

In particular, Con Dao National Park plans to combine organizing units to form eco-tourism routes such as the Bay Canh-Hai Dang ranger station route, introducing visitors to the harmonious combination of forest flora and fauna, thereby promoting and creating closeness between people and nature, increasing emotional awareness so that everyone can contribute to the conservation of biodiversity.

According to Vietnam+