The Rapa fruit dove is a species of bird in the family Columbidae, which includes pigeons and doves. It is endemic to the island of Rapa Iti in French Polynesia. The species was classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List in 2018 because of its small population and predicted continued decline. The Rapa fruit dove primarily feeds on fleshy fruit. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and it has an extent of 30 km2. It is threatened by habitat loss due to deforestation and invasive species. Effective land protection and management could increase the quality of habitat for the species. Additional research into population dynamics and the impact of threats to the species can give a better understanding of the conservation practices needed.
Region
Austral Islands, South Pacific
Typical Environment
This species is confined to the island of Rapa Iti, where it occupies subtropical moist lowland and montane forest and adjacent secondary growth. It favors valleys, forested ridges, and remnant patches with fruiting native trees, and may occasionally use gardens and orchards when fruit is abundant. The available habitat is extremely limited, with an extent of roughly 30 km², and is fragmented by clearance and invasive plants. Persistence depends on intact canopy and mid-story fruiting shrubs.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 650 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Rapa fruit dove is a small fruit-eating pigeon found only on the remote island of Rapa Iti in the Austral Islands of French Polynesia. It plays a key role as a seed disperser for native trees but is threatened by habitat loss and invasive predators. Its entire global range is confined to a tiny area of moist forest, making it highly vulnerable to environmental change. Conservation focuses on forest restoration, invasive-species control, and protection of remaining habitat.
Temperament
shy and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift, direct flight between trees
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, sometimes in small loose groups at fruiting trees. Nests are simple twig platforms placed in dense foliage. Clutch size is typically one egg, with both adults sharing incubation and chick rearing. Territoriality is modest and centered on food resources during peak fruiting.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of soft, low cooing notes delivered at spaced intervals, often from concealed perches. Calls can carry through forest gullies but are easily missed in wind or surf noise.
Plumage
Predominantly leaf-green fruit-dove with clean, smooth plumage typical of Ptilinopus; underparts slightly paler with brighter tones on the vent.
Diet
Feeds primarily on fleshy fruits from native forest trees and shrubs, swallowing small fruits whole and dispersing seeds. Also takes berries of secondary-growth plants and, when available, fruit from introduced species. Foraging is methodical, with birds moving between fruiting trees as crops ripen. Occasional ingestion of small invertebrates or grit may occur for mineral balance and digestion.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid- to upper canopy of moist forest and along edges where fruiting trees are abundant. Uses forested valleys, sheltered slopes, and sometimes village trees or orchards during peak fruiting. Prefers areas with continuous canopy cover for concealment.
