Singapore is sweltering its way through the monsoon. Heat and rain! Western Palearctic constitutions were not designed for these conditions, but here be Pink-necked Green Pigeons! The forest of the Central Catchment Area is always a good place to find them, but they are common wherever there are fruiting trees.

SIN 15May15 Pink-necked Green Pigeon 02

Now simply seeing green pigeons should be enough for anyone and if only the females show, then that is what you get, but the males include a pink neck and orange belly in their plumage to make a spectacle best observed at close quarters.

SIN 15May15 Pink-necked Green Pigeon 07

Most sightings are from underneath as the birds feed high in the trees or fly overhead. The colours are muted in silhouette, or observed just briefly through the leaves. Occasionally though, a fruiting tree will tempt them lower.

SIN 15May15 Simpoh ayer flower 02

The females had found a Simpoh ayer (Dillenia suffruticosa), a common shrub which usually carries fruit and flowers at the same time. The lit side was also the soggy side, so enjoy these pictures as they cost me wet feet for the rest of the day.

SIN 15May15 Pink-necked Green Pigeon 04

The males were feeding from other shrubs close by. The photo below was from a previous visit to the Botanical Gardens.

SIN 07Jun12 Pink-necked Green Pigeon 02

If you enjoyed this post and would like to see more great images of birds, go to our 10,000 Clicks section where you will find our big (and growing) gallery page here at 10,000 Birds.

Written by Redgannet
Redgannet worked for more than 35 years as a flight attendant for an international airline. He came to birding late in his career but, considering the distractions, doesn't regret the missed opportunities. He was paid to visit six continents and took full advantage of the chance to bird the world. He adopted the nom de blog, Redgannet, to avoid remonstrations from his overbearing employer, but secretly hoped that the air of mystery would make him more attractive to women. Now grounded, he is looking forward to seeing the seasons turn from a fixed point.