Vanuatu imperial pigeon

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Vanuatu imperial pigeon, also known as Baker's imperial pigeon (Ducula bakeri), is a bird found only in Vanuatu. It lives mainly in forests, including montane and some lowland areas. In Santo, it favors forests above about 500 meters (1,600 feet) in elevation.

Description
The pigeon is about 40 cm (16 inches) long. Its head and nape are sooty blue-gray; the neck is dark purplish-maroon. The mantle, back, and wing coverts have a steely sheen. The underwing coverts are chestnut, the flight feathers are rufous, the throat is dark gray, and the breast is dark purplish-maroon with a gloss. The belly is deep chestnut. Upper tail coverts are black, and the undertail coverts are rufous. The eyes are yellow, the beak is black, and the feet are pinkish-red. Females are slightly smaller and duller than males. Juveniles look duller with less gloss.

Behavior and diet
This pigeon is usually seen alone or in pairs in the forest canopy; small groups can occur. It is a wary bird and not easy to spot. It eats fruit from trees, shrubs, and vines (frugivore) and may move within islands to find food. Its call is a strong, repeated twoo-too-too-too.

Breeding
Little is known about its breeding biology.

Habitat and range
The Vanuatu imperial pigeon is endemic to several larger islands of Vanuatu and mainly inhabits forests. On Santo Island, it is found in forests above 500 meters (1,600 feet).

Population and conservation
The population is estimated at about 2,500 to 10,000 mature individuals (3,500 to 15,000 birds in total). The number is likely declining due to forest clearing for agriculture and hunting. Because of its small, fragmented population and ongoing threats, the IUCN classifies it as Vulnerable.