Birding at Nandi Hills - Part 3 - Nilgiri Wood Pigeon

Its been so long, that I almost forgot what was supposed to be the third species in this list. :)

Well, here it is, the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, another commonly found and photographed bird in this region.

Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Columba elphinstonii

The Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Columba elphinstonii , is a large pigeon found mainly in the Western Ghats and Nilgiri region of Southern India. They are mainly frugivorous, i.e, their diet mainly consists of fruits. They have a distinctive checkerboard pattern on the nape. They are closely related to the Ceylon Wood pigeon and the Ashy Wood Pigeon. They forage singly or in groups usually up in the fruit trees, but are seen foraging on the ground for fallen fruits as well. They play a vital role in dispersing seeds of the fruits they consume.

Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Columba elphinstonii

Part - 1 of this series: Tickell's Blue Flycatcher
Part - 2 of this series: Blue-capped Rock Thrush EQUIPMENT USED:

Nikon D3S / Canon EOS 20D
AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4G ED VR / CANON EF 600mm F4L IS
Gitzo + Wimberley

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