Rare Migratory Bird 'Noksaek Bidulgi' Spotted at Ulsan Grand Park

First Observation in Ulsan on the 19th: Two Male Individuals Confirmed
First Sighting in an Inland Urban Park; Previously Observed in Jeju and Japan

The ‘Green Pigeon,’ a rare visitor in Korea, was observed for the first time in Ulsan.

Green pigeon. Provided by Yoon Gi-deuk (photographer and citizen biologist)

Ulsan City announced that on February 19th at 4 p.m., a ‘Green Pigeon’ was discovered at Ulsan Grand Park located in Ok-dong, Nam-gu.

The initial discovery was made by Im Hyun-sook, a natural environment interpreter in Ulsan, who spotted the pigeon with a rare color while passing by a Korean nutmeg tree near the park and posted the photo on social networking sites.

On the 20th in the afternoon, the city observed the Green Pigeon at the same location. Although it was initially thought to be a single male, it was later confirmed that there were two individuals.

Two green pigeons. Provided by Yoon Gi-deuk (photographer and citizen biologist)

Following the news, local photographers captured images of the Green Pigeons staying on the Korean nutmeg tree, eating its fruit (acorns).

Bird experts explained, “They have a habit of not being very afraid of humans, so they are also observed at Jeju Hallasan Botanical Garden despite many visitors.”

The Green Pigeon has a green head and back, with a white belly. The male has small wing coverts that are reddish-brown, while the female’s back is green like the male’s.

From early summer to autumn, they sometimes drink seawater to intake salt. They mainly feed on fruits and new shoots in trees but occasionally forage on the ground.

They primarily inhabit temperate forests such as those in Japan, Taiwan, and northern Vietnam, and are migratory birds that visit island areas or inland regions near coasts. In Korea, sightings are rare and mostly occur in Jeju Island, Dokdo, and Taean.

Hong Seung-min, CEO of Jjaekjjaek Rest Area, who visited the site on the day of discovery and the following day, said, “This is the first observation of the Green Pigeon in Ulsan, and there is a record of it visiting not only coastal areas but also inland urban forests, so it is presumed to have come to Ulsan Grand Park, a large forest in the city.”

An official from Ulsan City stated, “As a result of well maintaining the natural environment of Ulsan Grand Park, it is judged that rare birds are steadily visiting the city. We will continue to investigate migratory birds visiting Ulsan with citizens and observe changes in their habitats.”