The banded fruit dove or black-backed fruit dove is a large pigeon with white head, neck and upper breast; black back and upperwing grading to grey on rump; black tail with broad grey terminal band; underparts grey, demarcated from white head.
Region
Lesser Sundas (Wallacea)
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland to foothill forests, including monsoon woodland, riverine and semi-evergreen forest, and well-wooded secondary growth. Favors the canopy and edges of fruiting trees in both primary and disturbed habitats. It may visit forest patches near villages when figs or other fruits are abundant. Generally local but can be fairly common where suitable fruiting trees occur.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the black-backed fruit dove, this canopy-dwelling pigeon is endemic to the Lesser Sunda Islands. It plays an important role as a seed disperser, especially for figs and other native fruiting trees. Often shy and unobtrusive, it is more frequently detected by its soft, booming coos than by sight.
Temperament
shy and canopy-oriented
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct flight between fruiting trees
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, occasionally small loose groups at heavily fruiting trees. Builds a simple twig platform nest placed well above ground, typically laying a single egg. Courtship involves soft coos and short display flights within the canopy.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A low, resonant series of booming coos, often delivered in spaced sequences from within dense foliage. Calls carry surprisingly far but can be difficult to localize in forest.
