The Palau fruit dove is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is endemic to Palau and it is also Palau's national bird.
Region
Micronesia, western Pacific
Typical Environment
Endemic to the islands of Palau, occurring on the larger high islands and many of the limestone Rock Islands. It inhabits lowland evergreen forest, coastal and mangrove edges, and wooded limestone karst. The species also uses secondary growth, agroforests, and village gardens where fruiting trees are abundant. It typically forages in the mid- to upper canopy, descending to lower strata when fruit is ripe.
Altitude Range
0–300 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Palau fruit dove is Palau’s national bird and a key seed disperser for native forest trees, especially figs. It adapts well to secondary growth and village gardens, which helps maintain stable numbers. Despite being shy in dense forest, it can become confiding where not persecuted. Protection of fruiting trees is important for its long-term health.
Temperament
quiet and shy, but can be tolerant near villages
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift, direct dashes between trees
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, occasionally in small groups at fruiting trees. Breeding pairs build a simple twig platform nest hidden in foliage. Clutch is typically a single white egg, with both parents sharing incubation and chick care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
The call is a series of soft, muffled coos given from concealed perches in the canopy. Phrases are low-pitched and evenly spaced, often accelerating slightly toward the end.
Plumage
Compact fruit-dove with green upperparts and wings, a pale grey head and upper breast, and a bright yellow to orange-washed belly divided by a narrow dark breast band. Underparts are clean and smooth-feathered; tail and wing coverts show rich green with subtle edging. The overall look is crisp, with strong contrast between the grey foreparts and vivid belly.
Diet
Primarily eats small fruits and berries, especially figs (Ficus), as well as drupes from native forest trees. It swallows fruit whole and later disperses seeds, aiding forest regeneration. Occasionally takes flower buds or soft new shoots when fruit is scarce. Foraging is mostly deliberate, moving tree to tree as fruit ripens.
Preferred Environment
Feeds high in the canopy of fruiting trees, but will use forest edges, gardens, and mangroves when fruit is available. Often joins loose mixed-species aggregations at heavily laden trees.
