Sri Lankan Green Pigeon
Treron pompadora
About the Sri Lankan Green Pigeon
The Sri Lankan green pigeon is a plump, arboreal pigeon with stunning green plumage that provides perfect camouflage in the canopy. Males have a maroon back and a pale grey head. Females are entirely green with yellow undertail coverts. They are exclusively frugivorous — their diet consists almost entirely of fruit, especially figs. They swallow fruit whole and regurgitate the seeds, making them important seed dispersers for the forest ecosystem.
Wilpattu Significance
Sri Lankan green pigeons are common in Wilpattu's forests but are surprisingly hard to spot because their green plumage blends perfectly with the canopy. They are most visible when feeding at fruiting fig trees. Their soft, musical whistles are often the only clue to their presence. During fruiting seasons, multiple individuals may gather in the same tree, providing reliable sightings.
Conservation Status
Least Concern. Endemic to Sri Lanka but common within suitable forest habitat.
Best Season to See
Year-round. Most visible during fruiting periods (December-April).
Best Locations in Wilpattu
- Canopy near fruiting fig trees
- Manikwila
- Mahaweva forest
- Thalawila
Viewing Tips
- 1Focus on fig trees with ripe fruit — they attract feeding flocks
- 2Listen for their soft, musical whistles in the canopy
- 3They are most active in early morning when they move between feeding trees
- 4Look for movement in the canopy — their green plumage is excellent camouflage
Photography Tips
- A green pigeon on a lichen-covered branch makes a beautiful natural composition
- Wait for one to move into a gap in the canopy where light is better
- Side profile shows the maroon back of the male
- Feeding shots with fruit in the bill add behavioural interest
Did You Know?
The Sri Lankan green pigeon's green plumage is not produced by green pigment — it is created by a structural colour effect. The microscopic structure of the feathers scatters light in a way that produces green, similar to how a prism creates rainbow colours.
Ready to see the Sri Lankan Green Pigeon in the wild? Book a Wilpattu safari with expert naturalists who know exactly where and when to find them.