Metallic Pigeon

The metallic pigeon (Columba vitiensis) also known as white-throated pigeon, is a medium-sized bird up to 37 cm long, in the family Columbidae. == Subspecies == Columba vitiensis forms a chain of eight living and one extinct subspecies that once extended from Japan to Australia: C. v. anthracina (Hachisuka, 1939) – endemic to the Palawan and nearby islands (Philippines); last record in 1961 C. v. castaneiceps Peale, 1848 (Samoan Metallic Pigeon) – endemic to Samoa. This subspecies is characterized by a purple-chestnut crown that contrasts sharply with the neck and dorsal region. Notably, the ventral plumage remains consistently grey, lacking the rufous terminal fringes typically observed in other subspecies, even when the feathers are worn. C. v. godmanae Mathews, 1915 (Lord Howe Pigeon) – formerly endemic to Lord Howe Island (Australia); extinct in approximately 1853. Its existence is known only from early accounts and a painting by Raper, which likely portrays this bird. C. v. griseogularis (Walden & E.L.Layard, 1872) – found in the Philippines (except Palawan). It is characterized by having the throat grey in both sexes. C. v. halmaheira (Bonaparte, 1855) – found from Taliabu (Indonesia) to the Solomon Islands. This subspecies is the most widespread and has…