Oberholser's fruit dove is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It was formerly named P. epius, but it has since been revised to the earlier name P. gularis. It is endemic to Sulawesi. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Sulawesi (Wallacea), Indonesia
Typical Environment
Occurs in primary and mature secondary moist lowland forests across parts of Sulawesi, favoring areas with abundant fruiting trees, especially figs. It is most often encountered in the mid- to upper canopy and along forest edges, riverine corridors, and lightly disturbed forest. The species may also visit fruiting trees in agroforestry mosaics adjacent to forest. It generally avoids heavily degraded habitats and open country.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Oberholser's fruit dove is a canopy-dwelling pigeon endemic to Sulawesi, Indonesia. It was long referred to as Ptilinopus epius, but taxonomic revision reinstated the earlier name P. gularis. Like many fruit doves, it plays an important role in seed dispersal for rainforest trees. Ongoing lowland deforestation on Sulawesi is the primary threat to its survival.
Temperament
shy and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, swift dashes between trees
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or in small loose groups at fruiting trees. Nests are typical pigeon platforms placed well above ground in dense foliage. Breeding is thought to coincide with peak fruit availability, and the clutch is usually a single white egg. Courtship includes quiet coos and short display flights.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, low coos delivered from concealed perches high in the canopy. Notes are spaced and muffled, often going unnoticed amid insect noise. In flight it may produce a faint wing-whirr.
Plumage
Predominantly leaf-green with fine yellowish fringes on the wing coverts; males show a subtle grayish head and a faint pinkish or mauve wash on the throat, females are plainer green. Underparts are slightly paler with yellowish undertail coverts. Overall appearance is compact with smooth, satiny plumage typical of fruit doves.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small fruits and berries, especially figs (Ficus) and other canopy fruits. It swallows fruit whole and later disperses seeds, aiding forest regeneration. Occasionally it may take softer drupes and arillate seeds from mid- to upper canopy levels. Gleans methodically among fruiting branches and may follow seasonal fruiting patterns.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the canopy and subcanopy of lowland rainforest, along edges, and in riverine forest. It also visits isolated fruiting trees in secondary growth and mixed agroforestry near intact forest. Typically avoids open farmland away from tree cover.
