I LIVE IN ASIA
Nicobar pigeons are native to countries in southeast Asia and can most often be found in mangroves and lowland forests. They are named after the Nicobar Islands, an island chain in the Indian Ocean.
I AM AN OMNIVORE
The Nicobar pigeon’s diet consist mainly of hard seeds and fruits, but is also supplemented with various insects.
NICOBAR PIGEONS ARE SOCIAL
The Nicobar pigeon is a very social species and will sometimes roost and feed in flocks of up to 85 individuals.
FAMOUS RELATIVES
The Nicobar pigeon is believed to be the closest living relative of the extinct Raphinae family of birds, a family of flightless birds whose final members became extinct about 400 years ago. This family of birds includes the widely known dodo bird.
HELPING THE NICOBAR PIGEON IN THE WILD
The Nicobar pigeons at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo are enrolled in the Species Survival Plan (SSP). SSP is a program implemented by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to help ensure a genetically viable population exists.
I AM IMPORTANT TO MY ECOSYSTEM
The Nicobar pigeon plays a very important role of seed dispersal in their environment. They are able to digest hard nuts and seeds that many other animal species cannot, which only aids in more diverse seed dispersal.