The Geelvink fruit dove is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is native to several islands, including Biak, Supiori, Numfor, and the smaller Padaido Islands, collectively known as the Schouten or Geelvink Islands, which lie north of New Guinea.
Region
Cenderawasih Bay (Geelvink Islands), north of New Guinea
Typical Environment
Occurs on Biak, Supiori, Numfor, and the Padaido Islands, where it inhabits tropical lowland rainforest, forest edges, and secondary growth. It is most often seen in the canopy and upper midstory, visiting fruiting trees and figs. The species also uses coastal woodland and mixed agroforestry mosaics with mature fruit trees. It can persist in lightly logged or degraded habitats provided fruit resources remain available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Endemic to the Geelvink (Cenderawasih) Islands north of New Guinea, this fruit dove is an important seed disperser for native forest trees, especially figs. It typically keeps to the canopy and forest edges, where it can be inconspicuous despite its bright green plumage. Like many fruit doves, it builds a flimsy stick platform and usually lays a single egg. It tolerates secondary growth and village gardens with fruiting trees, which helps it persist in modified landscapes.
Illustration by Joseph Smit
Temperament
shy and arboreal
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with fast, direct dashes between trees
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or in small parties at fruiting trees. Nests are flimsy stick platforms placed in trees or dense shrubs. The clutch is typically a single egg, with both parents sharing incubation and chick care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of soft, low, booming coos delivered at measured intervals, often from within the canopy. Calls may be most frequent at dawn and late afternoon and can carry surprisingly far in still conditions.
Plumage
Predominantly leaf-green with a paler, cleaner belly and subtle yellowish wash on the underparts; males are typically brighter with crisper contrasts while females are duller overall.
Diet
Feeds primarily on figs and other soft fruits and berries, swallowing them whole and dispersing seeds through droppings. Will also take drupes from native forest trees and occasionally cultivated fruit in gardens. Foraging is mostly in the canopy but it may drop lower when fruit is abundant. Its movements track local fruiting events.
Preferred Environment
Favors fruiting trees in rainforest canopy, forest edges, and secondary growth. Regularly visits village gardens and agroforests where mature figs or other fruiting trees are present.
