The knob-billed fruit dove is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is endemic to the Bismarck Archipelago.
Region
Bismarck Archipelago
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland and foothill rainforests, forest edges, and secondary growth with abundant fruiting trees. It frequents the mid- to upper canopy and may descend to feed at fruiting shrubs in quieter areas. It tolerates some habitat disturbance where fruiting trees persist, including gardens with large figs. Primary rainforest remains its core habitat.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The knob-billed fruit dove is a canopy-dwelling fruit dove of the Bismarck Archipelago, notable for the small fleshy knob at the base of the bill, most pronounced in males. It plays an important role as a seed disperser for native rainforest trees, especially figs. It is shy and often detected by its mellow, repeated cooing rather than by sight.
Temperament
shy and canopy-oriented
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift, direct dashes between trees
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, occasionally forming small groups at fruiting trees. Builds a simple platform nest of twigs placed on a branch in the mid-canopy. Both parents likely share incubation and chick-rearing duties, as is typical for fruit doves.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives soft, mellow coos delivered in spaced sequences, often from concealed perches. Notes are low-pitched and carry surprisingly far through dense foliage.
Plumage
Predominantly green and olive with a smooth, satin-like canopy-dove sheen; males show a contrasting grayish head and upper breast with warmer tones on the belly. Females are greener overall with subtler contrast. Both sexes have a small fleshy knob at the base of the bill and neat, clean-edged plumage typical of Ptilinopus fruit doves.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small fruits and berries, especially figs (Ficus) and other canopy fruit. Swallows fruits whole and later disperses seeds, aiding forest regeneration. May occasionally take flower buds or soft plant matter when fruit is scarce. Forages quietly and deliberately among fruiting branches.
Preferred Environment
Primarily feeds in the mid to upper canopy of mature and secondary rainforest. Frequently visits isolated fruiting trees along edges, rivers, and in village gardens where large figs are present.
