The beautiful fruit dove, also known as the rose-fronted pigeon or crimson-capped fruit dove, is a small, approximately 19 cm long, mainly green fruit dove. It has a red crown, whitish throat, a greenish-yellow bill and purplish-red feet. It has a blue-grey breast and yellowish orange belly, with a reddish purple patch in between. Both sexes are similar.
Region
New Guinea and nearby islands
Typical Environment
Occurs throughout the lowland and hill rainforests of New Guinea, including both Papua New Guinea and Indonesian Papua, and on some adjacent islands. Prefers primary and well-developed secondary forests, forest edges, and riverine corridors with abundant fruiting trees. Most activity is in the mid- to upper canopy, though it may descend to feed at lower fruiting shrubs. It sometimes ventures into plantations and village gardens when fruit is plentiful.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This vividly colored fruit-dove is native to New Guinea’s lowland and foothill forests, where it stays high in the canopy and is often detected by its soft, rhythmic coos. It plays a key role in seed dispersal by swallowing small fruits whole and passing the seeds intact. Both sexes look similar, and the species is typically shy, slipping between fruiting trees with rapid, direct flights.
Wild on Waigeo
Temperament
shy and canopy-dwelling
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between trees
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, but small groups gather at heavily fruiting trees. Nests are typical dove platforms placed on horizontal branches or dense foliage. Clutch is usually a single white egg, with both parents sharing incubation and chick rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of soft, muffled coos given at intervals, often from concealed perches high in the canopy. Males give slightly more insistent, rhythmic advertising calls during the breeding season.
