About Ducula latrans (Peale, 1849)
The barking imperial pigeon, Ducula latrans, is a frugivorous bird. It feeds on large fruits from trees of the genera Cananga, Didymocheton, and Myristica (nutmegs). It usually feeds alone or in pairs, and occasionally gathers in small flocks on fruiting trees. Its breeding season runs from May to January. It builds an insubstantial nest from twigs, and lays a single egg per clutch. Adult barking imperial pigeons typically measure 40 to 44 centimeters in length. Their upper parts are grey, while their upper wings and upper tail are a darker brown shade. They have a black bill, and their eyes have purple and red coloring. The species gets its common name from its loud, barking calls: it produces long series of "u-oo" notes, and also makes a "raa" vocalization. These calls are most often associated with mating. Human hunting and human interference have damaged the species' habitat and caused its population to decline.
