This large pigeon has iridescent dark purple and green plumage. It is found only on Christmas Island.

Imperial pigeons travel in large flocks and forage for ripe fruit in the rainforest canopy of the Christmas Island plateau.

During the wet season they build twig nests high in the trees, laying two or three eggs at a time.

Where to see them

You’ll often see imperial pigeons in the rainforest. They can also sometimes be seen on coastal terraces and in the settled areas of the island.