The orange dove or orange fruit dove is a species of bird in the pigeon family Columbidae. One of the most colorful doves, the male has a golden olive head and elongated bright orange "hair-like" body feathers. The golden-olive remiges are typically covered by the long orange wing coverts when perched. The legs, bill and orbital skin are bluish-green and the iris is whitish. The female is a dark green bird with blackish tail and orange-yellow undertail coverts. The young resemble females.
Region
Fiji Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland and foothill rainforests, favoring mature primary forest and well-developed secondary forest with abundant fruiting trees. Typically found in the mid to upper canopy and along forest edges and ridges. It may visit gardens or plantations when fruiting trees are present but remains largely forest-dependent. Nests in secluded spots within dense foliage.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Endemic to Fiji, the orange dove is among the most striking of the fruit doves, with males glowing orange against the rainforest canopy. Females are deep green and exceptionally well-camouflaged. It is generally quiet and often overlooked despite the male’s vivid color. Preservation of mature rainforest and fruiting trees is key to its wellbeing.
Illustration of Ptilinopus victor
Temperament
secretive and calm
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, occasionally small loose groups at fruiting trees. Builds a small twig platform nest placed on horizontal branches or in dense foliage. Typically lays a single egg, with both parents sharing incubation and chick-rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft and subdued, consisting of mellow coos and thin whistles. Males give simple advertising notes from concealed perches high in the canopy. Calls carry poorly, contributing to the species’ elusive nature.
Plumage
Male with golden-olive head and elongated, shaggy, bright orange body feathers; remiges golden-olive often hidden by long orange wing coverts. Female dark green with blackish tail and orange-yellow undertail coverts; juveniles resemble females.
Diet
Primarily eats small fruits and berries, especially figs and other native rainforest fruits. Forages by perching and plucking fruit directly from branches, often swallowing items whole. Occasionally ingests small grit or seeds incidentally. Movements between fruiting trees can be localized and regular.
Preferred Environment
Mid to upper canopy of mature rainforest where fruiting trees are concentrated. Also uses forest edges and tall secondary growth when fruit is abundant.
