What Is the Nicobar Pigeon Scientific Name? The biological and scientific name for nicobar pigeon is Caloenas nicobarica.
The Nicobar pigeon is a bright and unique bird with flight characteristics that earn it a treasured spot in ornithological collections. This pigeon is native to the island regions of Southeast Asia. In this article, we will explore the Nicobar pigeon’s scientific name, biological classification, behavior, and arguments for its classification as the closest living relative of the dodo bird.
Table of Contents
Nicobar Pigeon Classification and Genus
That is the scientific nomenclature for the Nicobar pigeon, which is Caloenas nicobarica. The bird belongs to the family Columbidae, which contains all pigeons and doves.
Here is the scientific classification:
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidea |
| Genus | Caloenas |
| Species | Caloenas nicobarica |
This biological classification of the Nicobar pigeon basically helps scientists in studying its relation to extinct species such as the Dodo bird.
Nicobar Pigeon Habitat and Geographic Range
The Nicobar pigeon’s habitat comprises tropical and coastal forests across:
- Nicobar Islands (India)
- Andaman Islands
- Thailand
- Malaysia
- Indonesia
- Papua New Guinea
- Solomon Islands
This Nicobar pigeon species mostly resides in remote islands, where it can find fruit trees and safe nesting sites. It moves intermittently from one little island to another, resting in the silence of tropical forests.
Nicobar Pigeon Characteristics and Behavior
Nicobar pigeon possesses some characteristics, such as:
- Bright and iridescent feathers: green, blue, and copper.
- A very distinct white tail that shows when the pigeon is on the wing.
- Strong flight muscles, enabling the bird to hop from one island to another.
- Normally feeds on the ground, foraging on seeds and fruits.
- Usually seen in pairs or flocks.
These features make this bird one of the prettiest island birds in the world.
Is the Nicobar pigeon the closest living relative to the Dodo?
Yes. The Nicobar pigeon is the closest living relative of the extinct dodo bird (Raphus cucullatus). Both are members of the family, Columbidae.
It flies. However, biologists consider the Nicobar pigeon to represent the dodo, which used to live in Mauritius. Such ancestry makes it precious for studying evolutionary biology.
Nicobar Pigeon Facts to Know
The following are some interesting threats to Nicobar pigeons:
- Flying with powerful wings from one tropical island to another.
- Dispersing seeds and maintaining foraging equilibrium in the forest.
- They rest in trees and mostly forage on the ground.
- Building a simple nest in a monogamous way.
Thus, these Nicobar pigeon facts tell us what a great species it is to the island ecosystem.
Conclusion on the Nicobar Pigeon Scientific Name
The Nicobar pigeon is a bright, tropical avifauna, closely related to the dodo that has been lost from this world. Strong in flight and distinct in appearance, the biological Nicobar pigeon plays a great part in island ecosystems. Its presence nurtures other forms of life and forest growth.
Knowing the Nicobar pigeon scientific name and Nicobar pigeon classification shall safeguard this rare species. These Nicobar birds basically remind humankind about the diversity in nature and the importance of conserving it.
