The barred cuckoo-dove is a bird species in the family Columbidae. It is native to South and Southeast Asia, and listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Region
South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Himalayan foothills of northern India, Nepal, and Bhutan through Northeast India and Bangladesh into Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and parts of Peninsular Malaysia. It favors evergreen and moist deciduous forests, forest edges, and bamboo thickets. Birds are most often found in foothill and lower montane zones, but can descend to lower valleys when fruiting trees are abundant. They regularly visit clearings and secondary growth where figs and other fruits are available.
Altitude Range
200–2600 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The barred cuckoo-dove is a long-tailed forest pigeon whose mellow, repetitive hoots often betray its presence before it is seen. Despite the name, it’s a true dove; the 'cuckoo' part refers to its slim shape and haunting calls. It frequently visits fruiting trees along forest edges and in bamboo thickets. Like many doves, it builds a flimsy twig platform and typically lays two white eggs.
![Illustration of male and female[2]](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/02/MacropygiaUnchall.jpg/960px-MacropygiaUnchall.jpg)
Illustration of male and female[2]
Barred cuckoo-dove
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
fast direct flight with strong wingbeats and brief glides
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly, in pairs, or small loose groups at fruiting trees. Nests are flimsy twig platforms placed in dense shrubs, bamboo, or small trees. Typical clutch is two white eggs, with both parents sharing incubation and care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of mellow, resonant hoots delivered in measured tempo, often carrying far through forested hills. Calls may accelerate slightly and are repeated persistently from a concealed perch.
Plumage
Warm rufous-brown overall with fine dark barring across the breast, belly, and tail; long, graduated tail accentuates a slim silhouette. Upperparts are slightly darker with subtle iridescence on the neck in good light. Underparts show the most obvious barring, giving a banded appearance.
Diet
Primarily takes small fruits and berries, including figs from Ficus trees and other forest fruits. Occasionally consumes seeds and tender shoots. Foraging is deliberate, with birds moving between fruiting trees and swallowing whole fruits.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the mid-story to canopy of forest edges, clearings with fruiting trees, and bamboo stands. Will also forage along trails and secondary growth where fruit is plentiful.
