Pale-capped Pigeon

The Pale-capped Pigeon, recently photographed in Dehing Patkai National Park in Assam, has caught the attention of birdwatchers and conservationists alike.

About Pale-Capped Pigeon

• Scientific Name: Columba punicea

  Common Names: Pale-capped Pigeon, Purple Wood Pigeon

  Appearance:

  • A large, dark purplish-maroon bird with a glossy sheen of green or amethyst.

  • Males have a whitish-grey cap, while females have a brownish-grey cap and less gloss on their feathers.

  Diet: These pigeons are frugivores, primarily foraging in small groups in the canopy of trees. They occasionally descend to the ground for seeds and fallen fruit.

  Conservation Status:

  • The Pale-capped Pigeon is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, primarily due to its localized distribution and habitat loss.

Distribution and Habitat

• Range: Found across parts of the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia, including northern and northeastern India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

  Habitat:

  • It primarily inhabits primary and secondary evergreen forests but can also be found in bamboo forests and agricultural fields near forested areas.

  • The range extends from lowlands up to 1,600 meters in altitude.

About Dehing Patkai National Park

• Location: Situated in the Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts of Assam, on the foothills of the Patkai Hill Ranges, and along the Dehing River (a tributary of the Brahmaputra).

  Size: The park spans 231.65 square kilometers.

  Significance: Known as the ‘Amazon of the East’, Dehing Patkai harbors the longest stretch of tropical lowland rainforests in India. This rich biodiversity hotspot is an important area for conservation efforts.

  Climate:

  • The climate is tropical, with annual rainfall exceeding 4,000 mm.

  Flora:

  • The park features a deciduous rainforest with a mix of semi-evergreen and lush green vegetation, dominated by species like Hollong, Nahor, Mekai, Simul, and various orchids and bamboo.

  Fauna:

  • Dehing Patkai is home to a wide variety of species, including slow loris, pig-tailed macaque, stump-tailed macaque, capped langur, Indian leopard, Asian elephant, royal Bengal tiger, clouded leopard, and Chinese pangolin, among others.

Conclusion

The sighting of the Pale-capped Pigeon in Dehing Patkai National Park not only offers a glimpse into the rich biodiversity of Assam but also underscores the urgent need to protect this unique habitat. The Pale-capped Pigeon serves as a reminder of the delicate balance that exists between wildlife and its environment and highlights the importance of conservation actions to protect vulnerable species.