The black-banded 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 and neck by broad black band.
Region
Lesser Sunda Islands and Northern Australia
Typical Environment
Occurs in the Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia and locally in northern Australia, including monsoon vine forests, riverine gallery forests, and drier semi-deciduous woodlands. It favors dense canopy and vine thickets, especially where native figs are abundant. In Australia it is associated with sandstone escarpments and coastal vine thickets. Uses forest edges and secondary growth when fruiting trees are present, and can be quite local depending on seasonal fruit availability.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A canopy-dwelling fruit-dove, it is named for the bold black breast band that separates its white head and neck from the grey underparts. It is a key seed disperser for native figs and other fruiting trees, helping maintain forest regeneration. The species is often inconspicuous despite its striking pattern, moving quietly through vine thickets and monsoon forests.
Temperament
shy and arboreal
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift, direct flight between fruiting trees
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, but may gather loosely at abundant fruiting trees. Nests are simple twig platforms placed high in dense foliage. Typically lays a single egg, with both parents sharing incubation and chick care through crop milk feeding.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, low coos delivered from within the canopy, often a series of deep hoots or muffled cooing notes. Calls can be hard to locate, contributing to the species’ inconspicuous nature.
