When most travelers think about the Similan Islands, their imagination often goes straight to turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and schools of tropical fish. Yet, hidden among the lush forests and granite boulders of these world-famous islands lives another treasure—one that often receives less attention than manta rays or sea fans. This is the Nicobar pigeon (Caloenas nicobarica), often called the living gem of the Andaman.
Table of Contents
A Bird of Iridescent Beauty
Unlike the common city pigeon, the Nicobar pigeon dazzles with metallic shades of green, copper, and sapphire across its feathers. When sunlight filters through the forest canopy, the plumage shimmers like a jewel. The bird’s long golden-green hackles around its neck and its strong body reflect both elegance and resilience.
From a scientific perspective, the iridescent feathering comes from microscopic platelets that refract light. This structural coloration, also found in butterflies and parrotfish, creates colors that shift when viewed from different angles. The shimmering effect demonstrates how evolution shaped beauty as a signal of health and strength.
The Ecological Role of Nicobar Pigeons
The Nicobar pigeon offers more than beauty; it plays a crucial role in the island ecosystem. As a frugivore, it eats seeds, fruits, and small invertebrates. By dispersing seeds through its droppings, it helps forests regenerate. Scientists call this process endozoochory, which supports biodiversity in fragile island habitats.
Birds like the Nicobar pigeon sustain the “food web” of island ecology. Trees that rely on seed dispersal survive, and animals from green sea turtles to fruit bats and insects benefit from a stable forest system. Without these natural gardeners, the ecosystem could lose its balance.
Rarity and Conservation Status
The IUCN Red List classifies the Nicobar pigeon as Near Threatened. Human activity such as deforestation, hunting, and illegal wildlife trade threatens its survival. The Similan Islands provide safety because the national park authority enforces strict conservation rules, limiting overnight stays and reducing disturbances.
Evolutionary studies reveal that the Nicobar pigeon is the closest living relative of the extinct Dodo (Raphus cucullatus). This connection makes the species a living link to natural history, offering insights into adaptation, extinction, and resilience in isolated ecosystems.
Encountering the Nicobar Pigeon in Similan
Travelers who join a Similan Islands tour from Khao Lak usually focus on snorkeling or diving. However, those who walk the shaded forest trails often spot Nicobar pigeons calmly searching for seeds on the ground. Unlike many shy birds, this species sometimes allows close observation, giving eco-tourists a rare chance to connect with Andaman’s avian heritage.
For birdwatchers, seeing the Nicobar pigeon adds another dimension to the Similan journey. It reminds visitors that the Andaman’s magic lies not only under the water but also in the quiet forests above.
Conservation and Responsible Tourism
Protecting the Nicobar pigeon requires mindful choices. Love Andaman and other responsible operators promote eco friendly island tours and encourage visitors to:
- Stay on marked trails to avoid disturbing nesting areas.
- Refrain from feeding wild birds to maintain natural behavior.
- Support conservation projects that safeguard both marine and terrestrial wildlife.
By practicing responsible tourism, travelers ensure that future generations can continue to admire this feathered jewel of the Andaman.
Conclusion: The Living Gem of the Andaman
The Nicobar pigeon at the Similan Islands represents beauty, resilience, and biodiversity. Like the corals and manta rays beneath the waves, it tells a story of adaptation and survival. Protecting this bird means protecting the soul of the Similan Islands themselves.
Prefer something more eco-conscious? Explore our eco friendly island tours — combining nature, education, and preservation in one memorable journey.