Wildlife· Nuku Hiva· French Polynesia: Tuamotus, Marquesas, Gambier & Australs
Upe Marquesan Imperial Pigeon
8° 52.6′ S · 140° 4.1′ W · approximate
The upe, a huge endangered pigeon found only on Nuku Hiva (and reintroduced to Ua Huka), can be seen in the Taipivai and Hatiheu valleys; at 50-55 cm it is the largest pigeon outside the crowned pigeons.
Practical
Position approx: plotted at the OpenStreetMap 'Vallee de Taipivai' viewpoint. The brief (2023) names the Taipivai and Hatiheu valleys and says it is a protected species. Wikipedia: Endangered (IUCN), about 300 birds (2023 estimate), mostly in wooded valleys at 200-1,500 m, though a few use groves near sea level; sooty-grey head and breast, glossy green back. Listen for its deep call in the early morning. Do not disturb or feed.
Best for
Birders on the Taipivai-Hatiheu walk
Nearby
- Taipivai Village Tohua and Tikis0.3 NM away
- Taipivai Valley Waterfall Hike0.5 NM away
- Anatine's Taipivai Village Activities0.6 NM away
- Magasin Kahei (Taipivai)0.6 NM away
- Taipivai Village Snack0.6 NM away
- Taipivai Landing Beach (Hakahaa)0.9 NM away
- Meae Paeke Tiki Site (Taipivai)1.1 NM away
- Controleur Bay (Taipivai, Nuku Hiva)1.4 NM away