The black-naped fruit dove, also known as the black-headed fruit dove, is a medium-sized, up to 24 cm (9.4 in) long, green fruit dove with yellowish bill and iris. The male has a pale grey head with a black nape, yellow throat, and golden yellow and pink undertail coverts. The plumage of the female and the young is entirely green.
Region
Wallacea (Indonesia)
Typical Environment
Found in lowland and foothill forests of Sulawesi and the Lesser Sunda Islands, including islands such as Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa, and Flores. It frequents primary and secondary forest, forest edges, and wooded gardens and plantations with fruiting trees. The species is largely arboreal, keeping to the mid- to upper canopy, but may descend to lower strata when food is abundant. It tolerates moderate habitat disturbance where fruiting trees persist.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A striking fruit-dove of Wallacea, the male shows a pale gray head with a distinct black nape patch, while females are entirely leaf-green and blend seamlessly into foliage. It is an important seed disperser for many forest trees and figs. Typically quiet and unobtrusive, it often remains motionless in the canopy near fruiting trees.
Male at San Diego Zoo
Temperament
shy and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
swift, direct flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or in small loose groups at fruiting trees. Builds a flimsy twig platform nest in trees and typically lays a single egg. Both parents share incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, low cooing notes and hoots delivered from concealed perches in the canopy. Calls are mellow and repetitive, often heard at dawn and late afternoon.
Plumage
Male is green-bodied with a pale gray head, a distinct black nape patch, yellow throat, and golden-yellow to pink undertail coverts; female and immature birds are entirely green with subtle pale edging. Plumage is smooth and glossy, aiding camouflage in foliage.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small fruits and berries, especially figs (Ficus), drupes, and other soft forest fruits. It swallows fruits whole and later disperses seeds via droppings, contributing to forest regeneration. Occasionally takes buds or tender plant matter when fruit is scarce.
Preferred Environment
Forages high in the canopy of forest and along edges, often visiting fruiting trees in secondary growth and plantations. It may also use wooded gardens where native or cultivated fruiting trees are present.
