The Enggano cuckoo-dove is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is endemic to Enggano Island in Indonesia. Until 2016, it was considered a subspecies of the ruddy cuckoo-dove.
Region
Sunda Islands (Enggano Island)
Typical Environment
Occurs throughout remaining lowland evergreen and semi-evergreen forests on Enggano Island, including mature forest, secondary growth, and forest edges. It also uses mixed agroforestry, coconut groves, and fruiting trees near villages when cover is available. The species typically keeps to the mid- to upper canopy but will descend to lower strata at fruiting shrubs. Coastal scrub and lightly wooded areas are used for foraging and commuting between forest patches.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 300 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Enggano cuckoo-dove is a forest pigeon restricted to Enggano Island off the southwest coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. Formerly treated as a subspecies of the ruddy cuckoo-dove, it was elevated to full species in 2016 based on distinct vocal and plumage traits. It favors fruiting trees and is often detected by its deep, repetitive coos rather than by sight.
Temperament
shy and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid wingbeats and short glides
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, occasionally in small loose groups at fruiting trees. Performs brief display flights from canopy perches and uses simple platform nests placed on horizontal branches. Typically lays a single egg like most pigeons. Territorial calling peaks during early morning and late afternoon.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of deep, mellow, repetitive coos delivered from a concealed perch, often carrying far through forest. Phrases may accelerate slightly and end with a drawn-out final note. Calls are useful for detection in dense foliage.
Plumage
Overall warm rufous to cinnamon-brown with a long, graduated tail and a slight metallic sheen on the neck. Underparts are paler rufous, with females and immatures showing finer dark barring on the breast and wing coverts. Tail shows a darker subterminal band with paler rufous edging.
Diet
Primarily takes small fruits and berries, including figs and drupes from native forest trees. Also consumes seeds from shrubs and lianas and occasionally ingests grit to aid digestion. Forages methodically in the mid- to upper canopy, moving between fruiting trees along regular routes.
Preferred Environment
Feeds at fruiting trees within intact and secondary forest, as well as along forest edges and in mixed gardens with tall canopy remnants. Will visit village groves when disturbance is low and cover is nearby.
