Justification This species is classified as Near Threatened because recent surveys in Timor-Leste have shown it to be more abundant than once feared, and to inhabit a wider range of habitats. However, it is still suspected to be declining moderately rapidly owing to the levels of hunting and rates of habitat loss, and it is therefore classified as Near Threatened.

Family/Sub-family Columbidae

Species name author (Temminck, 1835)

Taxonomic source(s) Sibley and Monroe (1990, 1993)

Identification 38.5 cm. Medium-sized, dark, slender dove. Dark bluish-slate, paler on head and underparts and almost black on long wings and tail. Greenish iridescence on crown, nape, neck, breast and upper mantle. Yellow orbital skin. Similar spp. White-throated Pigeon Columba vitiensis metallica is more stocky and shorter-tailed, has red legs, red-and-yellow bill and is highly glossed with purple and green. Voice Six-second, accelerating series of medium-pitched, upslurred, disyllabic hoo-wuk notes.

Population estimate

Population trend

Range estimate (breeding/resident)

Country endemic?

2,500-9,999

decreasing

31,300 km²

No

Important Bird Areas Click here to view map showing IBAs where species is recorded and triggers any of the IBA criteria.

Ecology: It inhabits primary and tall secondary monsoon-forest, often where this habitat is drier or more open, and also vine thickets, thickly vegetated gullies and eucalyptus woodland with dense understorey, from sea-level to 1,770 m^2,3. As it has been found in "more or less open areas near villages", it probably has a degree of tolerance to habitat degradation, and in Timor-Leste appears to be more common in patchy landscapes (forest edge, secondary forest, woodland with scattered figs, Eucalyptus savanna or non-Eucalyptus woodlands with tropical forest trees in gullies or on scattered rock outcrops)². Singles or pairs forage in the lower-middle storey, with groups congregating at fruiting trees², and it probably moves seasonally in response to fruiting patterns.

Threats Loss of monsoon-forest has been severe in its range. An estimated 50% decline in Timor-Leste's remaining montane forest-cover occurred during Indonesian rule (1975-1999). Monsoon-forests now cover an estimated 4% of West Timor, scattered in around seven unprotected patches that are continually declining in size due to excessive grazing and burning. However, habitat loss may not be a severe threat as the species is highly mobile and presumably able to access necessary fruit resources over a large area². Pigeons are hunted intensively on Timor, and the species allows close approach and concentrates at fruiting trees, rendering it susceptible to hunters; local villagers have stated that 20-30 birds/day could be shot by focussing on fruiting trees².

Conservation measures underway Several protected areas have been proposed in West Timor, and one on Wetar. The most important for the species are likely to be Gunung Mutis/Timau, Bipolo and Camplong, on West Timor, and Gunung Arnau on Wetar.

Conservation measures proposed Conduct surveys to clarify its current distribution, status, ecological requirements and threats. Propose key sites for establishment as strict protected areas. Support initiatives to establish a protected area encompassing Gunung Mutis and Gunung Timau, West Timor. Initiate conservation-awareness programmes to reduce forest loss and hunting.

References BirdLife International (2001). 1. Trainor et al. (2004). 2. C. Trainor in litt. (2005). 3. Mauro (2003).

Further web sources of information

Fully detailed species accounts from the Threatened birds of Asia: the BirdLife International Red Data Book (BirdLife International 2001), together with new information collated since the publication of the Red Data Book

Text account compilers Phil Benstead (BirdLife International), Pete Davidson (BirdLife International), Matt Harding (BirdLife International), Simon Mahood (BirdLife International), Joe Tobias (BirdLife International)

Contributors Colin Trainor (BirdLife International Asia Division)

IUCN Red List evaluators Stuart Butchart (BirdLife International), Simon Mahood (BirdLife International)

Recommended citation BirdLife International (2010) Species factsheet: Turacoena modesta. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 6/9/2010

This information is based upon, and updates, the information published in BirdLife International (2000) Threatened birds of the world. Barcelona and Cambridge, UK: Lynx Edicions and BirdLife International, BirdLife International (2004) Threatened birds of the world 2004 CD-ROM and BirdLife International (2008) Threatened birds of the world 2008 CD-ROM. These sources provide the information for species accounts for the birds on the IUCN Red List.

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