The purple-capped fruit dove or Pohnpei fruit dove, is a species of bird in the family Columbidae found on Chuuk and Pohnpei in the Caroline Islands. It was formerly considered as a subspecies of the crimson-crowned fruit dove. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical mangrove forests.
Region
Caroline Islands, Micronesia
Typical Environment
Inhabits subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests and mangrove forests on high volcanic islands and atolls. It uses primary rainforest as well as secondary growth, forest edges, and agroforests with abundant fruiting trees. The species often visits village breadfruit groves and gardens where native and introduced fruiting plants are available. It is largely arboreal, moving through mid- to upper canopy while foraging. Mangrove margins and coastal forest patches are used when fruit is seasonally available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 700 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the Pohnpei fruit dove, it was formerly treated as a subspecies of the crimson-crowned fruit dove. It plays a key role as a seed disperser for native island trees. Generally shy and arboreal, it is most often detected by its soft cooing notes in forest canopy. Local habitat loss can affect it, but it remains fairly widespread on suitable islands.
Temperament
shy and arboreal
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through the canopy
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. Clutches typically consist of a single egg, with both parents participating in incubation and chick rearing. Territoriality is mild, focused around prime fruit sources.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Soft, repetitive cooing notes given from concealed perches high in the canopy. Calls are low-pitched and mellow, carrying through forest during calm mornings. Courtship includes quiet coos paired with short display flights.
Plumage
Predominantly green with a contrasting purple cap and a softly colored belly patch; plumage is smooth and compact with a slight gloss on the upperparts.
Diet
Primarily eats small fruits and berries, including figs and other native canopy fruits. It swallows fruits whole and later disperses seeds, aiding forest regeneration. Occasionally takes buds and soft plant matter when fruit is scarce. Foraging is methodical, moving tree to tree along fruiting routes.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in mid- to upper canopy of lowland rainforest, forest edges, and mangroves. Readily visits agroforests and village trees bearing breadfruit, guava, and other seasonally available fruit. Often remains hidden among dense foliage while feeding.
