It is a forest species, occupying native lowland and montane forests, secondary forest, beach forest and mangroves and occasionally agroforest, although thickets of short hibiscus trees are avoided (Engbring et al. 1990, Engbring 1992, VanderWerf 2007, Oleiro and Kesler 2015). Surveys in Pohnpei indicated an association with old growth forest with higher canopies, and it was less common in disturbed habitat (Oleiro and Kesler 2015). Apparent patterns in habitat use are often more reflective of hunting pressure than habitat preference or quality (Engbring et al. 1990). It feeds on a variety of fruits and large fleshy seeds (Baptista et al. 1997). It is thought to breed year-round (Engbring et al. 1990, Baptista et al. 1997).

This species occurs in the Micronesian islands of Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, Nauru (Buden 2008, Stirnemann 2013) and Kiribati (Tarawa; M. O'Brien in litt 2017, eBird 2020), including many offshore islands. In Palau, it occurs across much of the island group, including across Babeldaob, the Rock Islands and Sonsorol, where it was reportedly introduced (G. McKinlay in litt. 2020). In Federated States of Micronesia, it occurs on Pohnpei, Chuuk, Ant Atoll (Engbring et al. 1990, Buden 1996a, eBird 2020) and Kosrae, as well as Yap, where it is considered to have been introduced (Engbring et al. 1990). Small populations have also been reported in recent decades on Pakin and Sapwuahfik atolls in Pohnpei State, and Satawan atoll in Chuuk State (Buden 1996a, b, 1999, 2006). In the Marshall Islands, it is known to occur on Majuro (eBird 2020, G. Wiles in litt 2020), and has been reported to occur on Lae, Lib and Namdrik (National Biodiversity Team 2000 in Stennemann 2006). In Kiribati there are recent records on Tarawa (M. O'Brien in litt 2017, eBird 2020). It previously occurred on Kapingamarangi Atoll in Federated States of Micronesia (Buden 1998), Kuria and Aranuka in Kiribati (VanderWerf 2007), and across the Marshall Islands from Wotje to Jaluit and Mili (Vander Velde 2001, Baptista et al. 2020), but is now probably extinct from some of its former range.

Conservation and Research Actions Underway
The species is legally protected on Palau, Kosrae and the Marshall Islands. It occurs in a number of protected areas, including some traditional protected areas.
It is monitored on Palau as part of the National Program for Monitoring Forest and Coastal Birds. Campaigns against hunting have taken place and some enforcement of species protection laws is taking place (R. Davis in litt. 2020).
On Pohnpei, the forested upland interior is protected by the Pohnpei Watershed Forest Reserve, which was established in 1987. The law initially failed, but after involving communities via the Watershed Steering Committee in 1990, the Pohnpei Watershed Management Strategy was developed to ensure sustainable resource management (Merlin and Raynor 2005). The law gained support following public education and the reserve was delineated, to protect habitat from agricultural clearance, development and hunting. A campaign was conducted to encourage people to grow sakau at lower elevations, to protect the upland forests. Forest clearance has been monitored to evaluate success. Over 250 people have been appointed as voluntary 'community conservation officers' to help with conservation education and monitoring (Merlin and Raynor 2005).
In the Marshall Islands, a recovery programme for the species has been led by the Marshall Islands Conservation Society. Actions included reducing hunting and predation and increasing the number of fruiting trees (M. O'Brien in litt. 2011).

Conservation and Research Actions Proposed
Conduct surveys to assess its total population size and distribution. Monitor population trends through regular surveys, particularly in Chuuk and Kosrae (M. O'Brien in litt. 2017). Monitor rates of habitat loss and degradation. Monitor levels of hunting pressure.
Protect significant habitat, including by controlling development, and by creating and enforcing protected areas. Enforce laws against hunting, fire-arms and sales of protected species. Work with communities and island governments to manage the species sustainably, with outreach to island residents about the need for pigeon conservation being a priority (G. Wiles in litt. 2020).