| Christmas Imperial Pigeon | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Information | |
| Range | Christmas Island in the eastern Indian Ocean. |
| Scientific Classification | |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Ducula |
| Species | Ducula whartoni |
| Conservation Status | |
 Near Threatened | |
The Christmas imperial pigeon (Ducula whartoni), is a species of large (39 cm in length, 450-700 g in weight) pigeon in the Columbidae family. Its mainly dark grey in color with an iridescent sheen.
Distribution and Habitat[]
The species is endemic to Christmas Island in the eastern Indian Ocean. It inhabits rainforest and secondary growth with fruiting trees.
Behavior[]
Diet[]
Fruit from forest trees with occasional buds and leaves.
Breeding[]
It builds a platform nest of twigs high in a forest tree.
Voice[]
It utters a deep booming call.
Conservation[]
The Christmas imperial pigeon was classified as "vulnerable" because of its small population and restricted distribution until 2012, when it was downgraded to "near threatened". Threats include illegal hunting and predation by introduced yellow crazy ants (Anoplolepis gracilipes).