Atoll fruit dove

The atoll fruit dove is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is endemic to the Tuamotu archipelago in French Polynesia. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and plantations. It is threatened by habitat loss.

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Distribution

Region

Central South Pacific (French Polynesia)

Typical Environment

Confined to low coral atolls of the Tuamotu Archipelago, where it occupies coastal littoral woodland, native shrub thickets, and mixed secondary growth. It readily uses plantations and village orchards, especially coconut and breadfruit areas, when native fruit is scarce. Dense vegetation near water and sheltered groves are favored. It avoids highly urbanized areas and atolls lacking sufficient tree cover.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 30 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size18–22 cm

Wing Span28–35 cm

Male Weight0.09 kg

Female Weight0.08 kg

Life Expectancy8 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The atoll fruit dove is a small, canopy-loving fruit pigeon that plays a key role in seed dispersal on low coral islands. It is sensitive to habitat degradation and invasive predators such as rats and cats. Despite this, it can sometimes persist in coconut groves and village orchards where fruit is available.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

shy and wary

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups. Nests are simple twig platforms placed in dense shrubs or small trees. Courtship includes soft coos and short display flights, with both parents participating in incubation and chick rearing.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Soft, low cooing phrases delivered from shaded perches, often repeated at intervals. Calls are subdued but carry in quiet atoll habitats, including a mellow hoo-hoo sequence.

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Identification

Leg Colorpinkish-red

Eye Colordark brown

Plumage

Predominantly glossy green upperparts with a contrasting pale grey head and neck, yellowish underparts, and an orange-tinged vent. Plumage appears smooth and compact, with clean color transitions and minimal spotting.

Feeding Habits

Diet

Feeds mainly on small fruits and berries from native coastal trees and shrubs, including figs and other fleshy fruits. Will also take cultivated fruits such as guava and breadfruit when available. Occasionally consumes flower buds and ingests small quantities of grit for digestion. It is an important seed disperser for many atoll plant species.

Preferred Environment

Forages in the mid to upper canopy of littoral forest, coconut groves, and village orchards. Also uses edges of thickets and sheltered interior groves where fruiting trees are concentrated.

Population

Total Known Populationunknown

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