The ruddy cuckoo-dove is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is a medium-sized, reddish brown cuckoo-dove, found in Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia. It is rated as a species of least concern on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Endangered Species.
Region
Borneo
Typical Environment
Endemic to the island of Borneo, occurring in Brunei, Malaysian Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak), and Indonesian Kalimantan. It inhabits primary and secondary lowland and lower montane rainforest, forest edges, and regenerating growth. The species also visits fruiting trees in clearings and along rivers and trails. It adapts moderately well to disturbed forests provided fruit resources persist.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The ruddy cuckoo-dove is a long-tailed forest dove with a warm chestnut tone that helps it blend into leaf litter and sun-dappled understory. It forages quietly for small fruits, often at the forest edge or along quiet trails. Usually seen alone or in pairs, it can be surprisingly common where fruiting trees are abundant. Its low, mournful coos can carry far through dense rainforest.
Temperament
shy and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
swift and direct with strong wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs, occasionally in small loose groups at fruiting trees. Nests are simple twig platforms placed in shrubs or small trees. The clutch is usually one to two eggs, with both parents sharing incubation and chick care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of low, mournful coos delivered at measured intervals, often from a concealed perch. The song can sound like a descending or even-toned 'woo-wooo-woo' that carries through dense forest. Calls may include soft grunts and coos during close interactions.
