This is the only green pigeon occurring in our area, s. The Yellow-footed Green Pigeon is the most widespread green pigeon in India, and a common breeding resident. Easily overlooked as it is well disguised in the high foliage, its fast flight makes it difficult to identify in the air. However it does have distinctive and frequently uttered calls, a conversational, lilting “wheet wa hoo” and a soft “who who”. It also has a convenient habit of sitting in groups on high, bare branches in the early morning sun.

Green Pigeons are sociable birds although the flocks are not usually large, anything over 50 is noteworthy. They congregate together in fruiting trees such as mulberries, banyans and peepuls and feed acrobatically, like parakeets. Unlike other pigeons and doves they are rarely seen on the ground, preferring to feed on fruit in the canopy. Green Pigeons will fly long distances to feed and their characteristic shape (small head, long tail and plump body) makes them easy to identify. They also roost in groups in trees and often nest quite closely together high in thick cover. Breeding takes place in our area from March to July. Although any fruiting tree could attract them, they are most often found in road and canal side trees, temples, parks and large gardens.