Ducula pacifica ( Gmelin, 1789 )

Andersen, Michael J., Fatdal, Lilly, Mauck III, William M. & Smith, Brian Tilston, 2017, An ornithological survey of Vanuatu on the islands of Éfaté, Malakula, Gaua, and Vanua Lava, Check List 13 (6), pp. 755-782 : 759

Ducula pacifica ( Gmelin, 1789) , Pacific Imperial-Pigeon

Ducula bakeri ( Kinnear, 1928) , Baker’s [ Vanuatu] Imperial-Pigeon

The endemic Baker’s Imperial-Pigeon is known from Santo Island and the Banks Group ( Dutson 2011). We encountered this species in pre-montane primary forest near our camps on Gaua and Vanua Lava Islands. It was easily identified as a Ducula imperial-pigeon based on its large size. The plum-colored breast, chestnut underparts, and dark-gray upperparts were field marks used to identify this species from Pacific Imperial-Pigeon Ducula pacifica . The latter taxon was only observed in lowlands on Gaua and Vanua Lava, whereas we only saw D. bakeri at higher elevations. Birds on Gaua were difficult to detect because they were either scarce or not vocalizing frequently. Conversely, birds on Vanua Lava were vocalizing, which made detection easier. Kratter et al. (2006) experienced similar ease of detection of vocalizing birds at about 600 m elevation on Santo. Its IUCN status is Vulnerable.