Mountain Imperial-pigeon

The mountain imperial pigeon, also called the maroon-backed or Hodgson's imperial pigeon, is the largest pigeon in its range, 43 to 51cm long. It has a fairly long tail, broad rounded wings and slow wingbeats. The head, neck and underparts are vinous-grey with a white throat, and the upperparts and wings are brownish maroon. The underwing is slate-grey and the tail blackish with a grey horizontal line (Wikipedia, general species account).

Its call is a deep, resonant boom that is detectable only at close range. It is usually solitary, though groups of up to 20 have been seen, especially when going to roost or flying up or down in mountains. In display the bird flies vertically up and glides down with wings and tail spread. The nest is a flimsy platform in a small tree, with one egg, and both parents incubate.