Lilac-crowned fruit dove

The lilac-crowned fruit dove, also known as the Rarotonga fruit-dove or Cook Islands fruit-dove, is one of over 50 species of Ptilinopus.

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Distribution

Region

Polynesia

Typical Environment

Occurs in the interior and upland forests of Rarotonga, frequenting mature evergreen forest, valley forest, and forest edges with abundant fruiting trees. It forages mainly in the mid-story to canopy, but will descend to lower levels where fruit is available. The species may also visit secondary growth and traditional agroforests when native figs and other trees are fruiting. It generally avoids heavily urbanized areas.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 650 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size20–23 cm

Wing Span30–35 cm

Male Weight0.12 kg

Female Weight0.11 kg

Life Expectancy8 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

Endemic to the island of Rarotonga in the Cook Islands, this fruit-dove is a key seed disperser for native forest trees. Its lilac-toned crown and rich green body make it one of the most striking Ptilinopus doves. It is shy and often detected by its soft, repetitive coos near fruiting trees. Predation by invasive rats and cats and habitat degradation are its primary threats.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

shy and unobtrusive

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with swift, direct dashes between trees

Social Behavior

Usually solitary or in pairs while feeding, occasionally in small loose groups at heavily fruiting trees. Nests are simple twig platforms placed well hidden in dense foliage. Clutches are typically a single egg, with both parents sharing incubation and chick-rearing duties.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Gives soft, repetitive cooing phrases that carry through forest ravines, often a mellow series of two to three notes. Calls accelerate slightly when the bird is agitated or during courtship, remaining low and resonant.

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Identification

Leg Colorreddish-pink

Eye Colordark brown

Plumage

Predominantly bright leaf-green with a distinct lilac to purplish crown, paler grayish face and throat, and yellowish to orange undertail coverts. The underparts are clean green with a slightly paler belly center. Wings show darker green primaries with a subtle sheen.

Feeding Habits

Diet

Feeds primarily on small fruits and berries from native and introduced trees, especially figs (Ficus), along with drupes from a variety of forest species. Swallows fruits whole and later disperses seeds across the forest. Will opportunistically take invasive guava and other available fruit, particularly during lean periods.

Preferred Environment

Forages in the canopy and mid-story of mature forest and along forest edges. Also visits fruiting trees in secondary growth and traditional agroforestry plots.

Population

Total Known Populationunknown

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