The pink-spotted fruit dove is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is found in forest and woodland in lowland and foothills of New Guinea and nearby smaller islands. It is widespread and generally common.
Region
New Guinea and adjacent islands
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in the lowland and foothill rainforests of New Guinea and nearby smaller islands in both Papua New Guinea and Indonesian Papua. It favors primary and secondary evergreen forest, riverine forest, and forest edges. The species is also seen in disturbed areas with tall fruiting trees and in garden-forest mosaics near villages. It remains largely arboreal, spending most of its time in the mid to upper canopy.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This vivid green fruit-dove plays an important role in New Guinea forests by dispersing seeds from the fruits it swallows whole. It is typically quiet and well-camouflaged in the canopy, often detected by its soft, mellow coos. Males may perform subtle bowing displays when courting. It readily visits fruiting fig trees, where several individuals can gather despite being otherwise unobtrusive.
In Papua New Guinea
Temperament
shy and arboreal
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, but small groups form at heavily fruiting trees. Nests are simple stick platforms placed in the canopy. The clutch is typically a single white egg, incubated by both parents. Adults are generally unobtrusive outside of feeding and brief display periods.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of soft, low coos and mellow hoots that carry weakly through dense foliage. Vocalizations are often given from concealed perches and can be easily overlooked amid forest sounds.
