It is endemic to Fiji, where it occurs on most of the medium and large islands.

[citation needed] The barking imperial pigeon is frugivorous, feeding on large fruits of the trees Cananga, Didymocheton, and Myristica (nutmegs).

It feeds alone or in pairs, occasionally occurring in small flocks on fruiting trees.

The breeding season of this species is from May to January, with a single egg being laid on an insubstantial twig nest.

Additionally, the bird got its name because it known to make loud barking "u-oo" in long series.