Sultan's cuckoo-dove is a dove in the genus Macropygia found in the northern Moluccas, Sulawesi to New Guinea and the western Papuan islands. It was one of three new species defined when the slender-billed cuckoo-dove was split up in 2016.
Region
Wallacea and New Guinea
Typical Environment
Occurs from the northern Moluccas and Sulawesi eastward through the western Papuan islands to New Guinea. It inhabits lowland and hill rainforests, forest edges, secondary growth, mangroves, and wooded gardens. The species adapts well to disturbed habitats provided fruiting trees are present. It is typically more common at edges and along ridges where fruit resources are concentrated.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Sultan's cuckoo-dove was split from the slender-billed cuckoo-dove complex in 2016 based on vocal and genetic differences. It has a notably long, graduated tail and deep, resonant coos that carry through forest edges. The name doreya references Dorey (now Manokwari) in West Papua, within its core range. It readily visits fruiting trees in both primary forest and secondary growth.
Temperament
shy and wary
Flight Pattern
swift and direct with rapid wingbeats; explosive when flushed
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, occasionally in small loose groups at fruiting trees. Nests are simple twig platforms placed in dense foliage or vine tangles. Both parents likely share incubation and chick-rearing duties, as typical of Columbidae.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of deep, resonant coos that can be delivered slowly in evenly spaced notes. Calls carry far through forest edges and ridge lines, often given from concealed perches.
