The great cuckoo-dove is a species of bird in the pigeon family, Columbidae. First described by the Dutch zoologist Coenraad Jacob Temminck in 1824, it is found on New Guinea, several surrounding islands, and Wallacea, where it mainly inhabits primary forest and the forest edge. It is a large, distinctive pigeon, with a length of 47.5–52.5 cm (18.7–20.7 in) and a weight of 208–305 g (7.3–10.8 oz). In adults, the head, neck, and breast are whitish or blue-grey, the underparts are pale bluish-grey, the upperparts are chestnut-brown, and the outer wings are black. Females differ from males in having more yellowish irises and duller orbital skin. Juveniles are mainly dull grey-brown, with dirty-white throats and bellies.
Region
New Guinea and Wallacea
Typical Environment
Occurs across New Guinea and nearby islands, extending west through the Maluku Islands and parts of Wallacea. It favors primary rainforest but also uses secondary forest, forest edges, and ridgelines where fruiting trees are abundant. The species is most often encountered in hill and lower montane zones, though it can range down to lowlands. It perches high in the canopy and frequently moves along forest margins and gaps.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The great cuckoo-dove is a large, long-tailed forest pigeon of New Guinea and Wallacea, often seen gliding along forest edges. It performs conspicuous display flights with steep climbs and glides while giving deep, booming coos. Adults show striking chestnut upperparts contrasting with pale grey head and underparts; females typically have more yellowish irises than males.
Illustration by Pauline Rifer de Courcelles, ca 1845
R. r. griseotincta
Juvenile R. r. griseotincta on Waigeo
![Great cuckoo-doves (R. r. reinwardti pictured) are generally seen in the canopy.[5][10]](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cb/Reinwardtoena_reinwardti_107893549.jpg/640px-Reinwardtoena_reinwardti_107893549.jpg)
Great cuckoo-doves (R. r. reinwardti pictured) are generally seen in the canopy.[5][10]
Temperament
shy and wary
Flight Pattern
strong, direct flight with rapid wingbeats; often glides on long tail during display flights
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs, sometimes loosely associated at fruiting trees. Nests are simple platforms placed in dense foliage or vine tangles. Courtship includes elevated display flights and bowing, accompanied by deep coos.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Deep, resonant series of booming coos, often delivered from a high perch or during display flight. Phrases are repeated at measured intervals and carry well through forest.
