The Raiatea fruit dove is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is endemic to the Society Islands in French Polynesia. Although first named to science in 1853, this fruit dove was evidently discovered 30 years earlier, by René Primevère Lesson (1794–1849), while serving as naturalist aboard La Coquille. It was formerly considered a subspecies of the grey-green fruit dove but was split as a distinct species by the IOC in 2021. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
Society Islands, French Polynesia
Typical Environment
Occurs in subtropical to tropical moist lowland and foothill forests, forest edges, and secondary growth with abundant fruiting trees. It frequents river valleys, slopes, and garden-forest mosaics where native and introduced fruiting plants are available. Birds are largely arboreal and remain high in the canopy when feeding. It may venture into plantations or village groves when trees are in fruit.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This fruit dove is restricted to the Society Islands of French Polynesia, especially Raiatea and nearby islets. It was long treated as part of the Grey-green Fruit Dove complex but was recognized as a distinct species by the IOC in 2021. Like many island fruit-doves, it is an important seed disperser for native forest trees.
Temperament
shy and arboreal
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between trees
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, sometimes small loose groups at favored fruiting trees. Territorial displays include soft cooing and short pursuits through the canopy. A flimsy stick platform nest is placed in dense foliage, typically with a single white egg; both parents share incubation and chick rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Voice is a series of low, mellow coos delivered at measured intervals, often from concealed perches. Calls include soft grunts and hoots when interacting at fruiting trees.
Plumage
Compact, mostly green dove with a smooth, satiny appearance; head and upper breast pale grey contrasting with green wings and back. Lower belly and vent show a yellow to orange-yellow wash, with yellowish undertail coverts. Females are greener overall with a duller or reduced belly wash; juveniles lack the strong belly color and show scalloping.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small fruits and berries, especially figs and other native canopy fruits. It swallows fruits whole and later regurgitates or passes seeds, aiding forest regeneration. Will also take introduced fruit species when available and occasionally buds or soft plant matter.
Preferred Environment
Forages high in the canopy of mature and secondary forests, along forest edges, and in groves near villages. Visits fruiting trees in valleys and ridges, moving quietly between crowns.
