BA RIA – VUNG TAU – The rare Nicoba pigeon with metallic blue feathers was discovered by rangers of Con Dao National Park while patrolling the forest on Bay Canh island.

The adult Nicoba pigeon was discovered on November 3, when it stood on a tree branch for about 30 seconds and rangers had time to take pictures with their phones. This is a rare pigeon species listed in the Red Book of Vietnam and the world.

The Nicoba pigeon (Caloenas nicobarica) is found on the small islands and coasts of the Nicobar Islands, in the eastern Indian Ocean. In Vietnam, they were found in Con Dao nearly 20 years ago, with other names such as ancient feathered pigeon, white-tailed pigeon, and vulture pigeon.

As an adult, the Nicoba pigeon is about 34 cm long, with a metallic blue, reflective coppery plumage that looks very nice; shiny black head feathers; The tail is very short and has white fur hidden underneath…

This bird feeds on the ground in flat, deciduous areas. Their food is mainly forest fruits, hard seeds and a few invertebrates. They only lay one egg, the nest is built very simply, sometimes only 3-4 small sticks arranged firmly.

Mr. Le Hong Son, Head of Conservation and International Cooperation, at Con Dao National Park, said that this is one of the rare times Nicoba pigeons appear in the Con Dao National Park. In 2003, the Park conducted a survey on this bird, but the specific number has not been determined because its behavior is very shy and difficult to find.

Con Dao National Park is located off the coast of Ba Ria – Vung Tau province, with a total natural area of ​​more than 19,800 hectares, including more than 5,800 hectares of forest conservation on the islands and 14,000 hectares of marine conservation. The forest area recorded 25 species of mammals, 85 species of birds, 32 species of reptiles and 13 species of amphibians. While marine resources recorded 1,725 ​​species of organisms.