Orange-breasted Green-pigeon

Least Concern

Treron bicinctus

Concealed within dense tropical forests, this colourful pigeon quietly forages in treetops for figs and wild berries, its rich orange chest glowing through the leafy canopy.

Visual Identification

Appearance

The Orange-breasted Green-pigeon is a striking bird with predominantly green plumage. Males feature a distinctive orange breast band, grey head, and yellow belly, while their wings display black and yellow patterning.

Females lack the orange breast band and have a more uniform green colouration. Both sexes have red legs and feet and a pale grey beak with a greenish or bluish base.

Size

Length

25cm to 30cm

Wingspan

45cm to 50cm

Weight

150g to 200g

Colours

Primary Colour

Green Orange

Secondary Colour

Grey Yellow

Beak Colour

Grey

Leg Colour

Red

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

Garden

Wetland

Coastal

Urban

Farmland

Grassland

Desert

Tundra

Rainforest

Mountain

Savanna

Distribution

This species inhabits tropical and subtropical forests, including lowland rainforests and deciduous woodlands. It is found across parts of South and Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and parts of Indonesia.

While primarily resident, some local movements may occur in response to fruit availability.

Elevation Range

Up to 1,500 meters

Climate zones

Tropical, Subtropical

Distribution Map

© 2025 - Birdfact
Resident
Breeding
Vagrant

Distribution by Region

Get Bird Updates in Your Inbox

Stay informed about Orange-breasted Green-pigeon and other fascinating birds, with expert bird watching tips, as well as relevant seasonal information.

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 82
Strength 45
Adaptability 75
Aggressiveness 30
Endurance 65

Diet

The Orange-breasted Green-pigeon primarily feeds on fruits, with a particular preference for figs. They use their specialised bills to pluck and swallow fruits whole. Occasionally, they supplement their diet with buds, shoots, and small invertebrates.

Behaviour

These pigeons are typically observed in small flocks, often perched high in fruiting trees. They are known for their agile movements among branches while foraging.

During courtship, males perform elaborate bowing displays and soft cooing to attract females.

Vocalisation

The Orange-breasted Green-pigeon has a soft, melodious call often described as a series of 'woo-woo' sounds.

During courtship, males produce a more elaborate cooing, sometimes accompanied by a gentle whistling note. Their calls are typically heard in the early morning or late afternoon.

Nesting & Breeding

Breeding typically occurs during the dry season, with timing varying across their range. Males attract females with cooing calls and bowing displays on tree branches.

Nests are simple platforms of twigs, usually placed in the fork of a tree or dense foliage. Females lay 1-2 white eggs per clutch.

Both parents share incubation duties, which last about 14 days. Chicks fledge after approximately 12-14 days but may remain dependent on parents for several more weeks.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [1]

While currently listed as Least Concern, the Orange-breasted Green-pigeon faces threats from habitat loss due to deforestation.

Conservation efforts focus on protecting tropical and subtropical forests within their range, which is crucial for maintaining stable populations.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

Not quantified, but usually uncommon [2]

Global Population Trend

Decreasing[3]

Birdwatching Tips

  • Look for them in fruiting trees, especially figs
  • Listen for their soft, melodious calls in the early morning
  • Observe their behaviour during the breeding season for courtship displays
  • Use binoculars to spot their distinctive colouration high in the canopy

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Orange-breasted Fruit Dove

Family:

Columbidae

Predators

Main predators include birds of prey, such as hawks and eagles, as well as arboreal snakes and occasionally larger mammals.

Did You Know?

  1. Their green plumage provides excellent camouflage in leafy trees.
  2. They have specialised feet that allow them to hang upside-down while feeding on fruits.
  3. These pigeons play a crucial role in seed dispersal for many tropical tree species.

Was this bird profile helpful?

Your feedback helps us improve our content

Community Experience

Community Ratings

No ratings yet - be the first to rate this bird!

Ease of Spotting
0.0/5
Visual Appeal
0.0/5
Song Recognition
0.0/5

Latest Community Reviews

No reviews yet

Sign in to be the first to review

Create Your Free Account Welcome Back!

Join our community to rate birds and share your experiences. Creating an account is completely free and only takes a minute. Sign in to your account to rate birds and share your experiences with our community.

• At least 8 characters • One uppercase letter • One number
Already have an account? Don't have an account yet?

Your information is secure and will never be shared.

By creating an account, you agree to our Privacy Policy.

References

  1. 1

    website: BirdLife International. 2024. Treron bicinctus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2024: e.T22691142A263964794.

    View source
  2. 2 3

    report: Global Forest Watch 2022, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein