Nicobar pigeons spotted in rare grouping during biodiversity monitoring in Palawan

A group of colorful Nicobar pigeons was recently spotted during a biodiversity monitoring activity in Ursula Island, Bataraza, Palawan.

According to Kuya Kim's report in "24 Oras" on Wednesday, forest rangers and personnel from the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Brooke's Point made the unusual discovery while conducting biodiversity monitoring in the area.

Per the group, they initially spotted a single black bird with colorful wings. When they approached, the bird flew toward a tree, where they found a rare occurrence: it was not alone.

"When we approached, it suddenly flew toward a tree that we call malakanyag. That's when we noticed that it wasn't alone—it had several companions," said MC Ibanez, the Assistant Protected Area Superintendent of Ursula Island Game Refuge and Bird Sanctuary, in Filipino.

The group later identified the birds as Caloenas nicobarica, commonly known as the Nicobar pigeon or sete colores because of its striking, multicolored plumage.

"It is extremely rare. I have never seen anything like this happen on the island before. Usually, during our biodiversity monitoring surveys, we only observe one or sometimes two of them," Ibanez shared.

"It was really the first time we saw them gather together. It was as if they were having a reunion," she added.

The Nicobar pigeon is considered one of the most colorful pigeon species in the world, with metallic green, blue, bronze, and violet feathers. It is also known for its long, glossy neck feathers that resemble a mane or necklace.

The species is larger than common pigeons and can grow up to around 40 centimeters (16 inches) long.

Nicobar pigeons are found on tropical islands and in coastal forests across parts of the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia. In the Philippines, populations have been recorded in Palawan.

The birds are most active during the early morning and late afternoon, when they forage on the forest floor for fruits, seeds, grains, insects, worms, and other small food sources.

Despite their striking appearance, Nicobar pigeons face threats from habitat loss and illegal hunting.

"It was listed under DAO 2019-09 as an endangered species. Here in Palawan, under PCSB Resolution No. 15-521, it is also listed as a critically endangered species. Meanwhile, under the IUCN, the Nicobar pigeon is classified as Near Threatened," Ibanez explained.

For the municipality of Bataraza, the Nicobar pigeon holds particular importance as it has been declared a flagship species.

"They have been declared a flagship species of the municipality of Bataraza. That is why we make sure to protect and preserve Ursula Island, because it serves as an important habitat and safe haven for this species," she said. —Jade Veronique Yap/MGP, GMA News