The Makatea fruit dove is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is endemic to French Polynesia island of Makatea in the Tuamotu Archipelago. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and is also present near villages. This bird is approximately 20 cm tall and has plumage of mostly green feathers with a dark purple crown and forehead, pale greenish-grey throat and chest, cloven lower chest feathers producing rows of shadows that appear as streaks, yellow underparts, tinged orange anteriorly. The bird's wing feathers are edged yellow. While it continues to be threatened by habitat loss, a decrease in mining since the mid 1960s has helped re-vegetation and appears to have stabilized population numbers.
Region
South Pacific (Tuamotu Archipelago)
Typical Environment
The species is confined to the island of Makatea, occupying subtropical to tropical moist lowland forests, second-growth thickets, and forest edges. It also uses vegetation around sinkholes and old mining pits where trees have recolonized. Birds frequently visit fruiting trees in gardens and near villages. Its small range makes it sensitive to habitat alteration and the impacts of introduced species.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 100 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small fruit-dove is confined to the uplifted coral island of Makatea in French Polynesia. It favors fruiting trees in regrown forest and can also be seen near villages, where it helps disperse seeds. Historic phosphate mining fragmented its habitat, but vegetation recovery since the 1960s has aided its persistence. It remains range-restricted and vulnerable to future habitat changes and invasive predators.
Temperament
shy and cryptic
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, low flights between trees
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, occasionally in small loose groups at fruiting trees. Nests are simple twig platforms placed in dense foliage. Clutch size is typically a single egg, with both parents likely sharing incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, repeated series of mellow coos delivered from within canopy cover. Calls are low-pitched and can carry in still air, often given at dawn and late afternoon.
