The lupe (Ducula pacifica), or Pacific Pigeon, is the king of Samoa's birds and in many ways it is the most culturally
important bird in our islands. It is our largest forest bird and is the only one able to feed on, and spread,
the large seeds of some of our most important rainforest trees. Its cultural significance is revealed
by the many Samoan proverbs that relate to the lupe and the art of lupe-hunting. The lupe is a member of a group of birds called the imperial pigeons because of their large size and dignified appearance. Most imperial pigeons live in the islands of the Pacific, although a few reach the mainland of Asia and one occurs in Australia. These birds are closely related to the much smaller fruit-doves, like the manutagi (Purple-capped Fruit Dove).

Even when not seen, they announce their presence with easy to hear calls: a low, rising and
falling moo like that of a cow, or a loud, rolling prrrrrhhh. These birds lay only a single white egg. Both parents help incubate the egg and feed the chick once it hatches. All members of the pigeon family have an amazing ability: they feed their young a sort of “milk”. This is a nutritious liquid that is a combination of digested food and other substances secreted by special glands in the bird's digestive system. Both male and female pigeons make this milk, so both parents take an equal part in feeding the young.

The lupe is found from the islands north of New Guinea east through Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Niue, and the Cook Islands. Interestingly, throughout most of this wide range, it is usually found on small islands and atolls, not on large “high islands.”

Reference:
Watling, Dick and Kelly, Chloe Talbot. 2001. A Guide to the Birds of Fiji & Western Polynesia. Environmental Consultants (Fiji) Ltd. Fiji.