The Timor cuckoo-dove is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is found in Timor, Wetar, and the eastern Lesser Sunda Islands. It was previously lumped together with the Tanimbar cuckoo-dove and the Flores Sea cuckoo-dove as the dusky or bar-necked cuckoo-dove. It is rated as a species of least concern on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Endangered Species.
Region
Eastern Lesser Sunda Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs on Timor, Wetar, and a few nearby islands in the eastern Lesser Sundas. It uses monsoon forest, semi-evergreen woodland, secondary growth, forest edges, and bamboo thickets. The species also visits cultivated areas and village groves when fruiting trees are available. It is generally more common in lightly disturbed habitats than in dense primary forest but needs tree cover for shelter and nesting.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Timor cuckoo-dove is part of the bar-necked/dusky cuckoo-dove complex that was recently split, leaving this species confined to Timor, Wetar, and nearby eastern Lesser Sunda Islands. It favors fruiting trees and can be surprisingly inconspicuous despite its size, keeping to forest edges and mid-canopy. Its low, repetitive cooing carries far in the early morning. It is currently assessed as Least Concern, though localized habitat loss can affect some populations.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
fast, direct flight with strong wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, occasionally in small loose groups at fruiting trees. Nests are simple twig platforms placed in shrubs or small trees. Clutch is typically a single white egg, with both parents sharing incubation and chick rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A low, resonant series of coos that rise and fall, often delivered from a concealed perch. Phrases are repeated at measured intervals and carry well in the early morning and late afternoon.
Plumage
Warm rufous-brown to chocolate-brown overall with darker, finely barred patches on the sides of the neck and upper breast; long, graduated tail. Subtle iridescent sheen on the neck in good light; underparts slightly paler with faint mottling. Sexes similar, males often a bit richer rufous on the head and neck.
Diet
Primarily eats small fruits and berries, including figs and drupes from native forest trees. Also takes fruits of secondary growth and cultivated species when available. Seeds may be swallowed along with fruit; animal matter is negligible.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the mid- to upper canopy at fruiting trees along forest edges, secondary woodland, and wooded gullies. Will visit gardens and agroforestry plots with adequate tree cover.
