The red-moustached fruit dove or moustached fruit dove is an extinct species of bird in the family Columbidae. It was endemic to French Polynesia. The last record was of the subspecies P. m. tristrami on Hiva Oa, in 1922. Its extinction has been attributed to predation by the introduced great horned owl, as well as by introduced rats and cats. In 1994, it was listed as an extinct species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Endangered Species.
Region
Marquesas Islands
Typical Environment
Historically inhabited native humid forests on steep volcanic islands, favoring mature forest with abundant fruiting trees. It likely used both valley bottoms and ridge forests, moving through mid-story and canopy to track fruit availability. Secondary growth and forest edges near fruiting figs may also have been used. As a canopy frugivore, it would have depended on intact forest structure. The species is now extinct and no longer occurs in the wild.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This fruit dove was endemic to the Marquesas Islands of French Polynesia and is now extinct, with the last confirmed record in 1922. It was noted for a distinctive red “moustache” mark along the face. Its decline was likely driven by introduced predators such as rats and cats, possibly compounded by habitat degradation. Like other fruit doves, it would have played an important role in seed dispersal.
Temperament
secretive and forest-dwelling
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically encountered singly or in pairs, occasionally small family groups at fruiting trees. Nesting likely involved a simple twig platform placed on a horizontal branch within dense foliage. Courtship probably included soft coos and bowing displays typical of Ptilinopus doves. Both parents would have shared incubation and chick care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft series of mellow coos delivered from concealed perches in the mid-canopy. Notes were low, measured, and easily overlooked against forest ambient noise.
Plumage
Predominantly green with a smooth, satiny texture typical of fruit doves, with subtle yellowish tones on the underparts and undertail coverts. The face showed a contrasting red malar stripe (“moustache”) and a paler greyish crown and throat. Upperparts were rich green with slightly darker wings and cleaner, lighter belly. Tail and undertail coverts often showed yellowish to golden tones.
Diet
Primarily small native fruits and berries, especially figs (Ficus) and other canopy fruit sources. It likely swallowed fruits whole and later regurgitated or defecated seeds, aiding forest regeneration. Occasional intake of soft invertebrates may have occurred incidentally with fruit. Diet would have followed seasonal fruiting cycles, moving locally to track food.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the mid-story and canopy of humid native forest, especially at fruiting trees. Also forages along forest edges and gaps where fruiting shrubs are abundant.
