Amboyna Cuckoo-Dove

Overview

The Amboyna cuckoo-dove, Macropygia amboinensis, is a dove species found in the Moluccas and New Guinea. It was recognised as a distinct species in 2016 following a split from the slender-billed cuckoo-dove, retaining the original Latin binomial.

Identification

• Length of 35–37 centimetres, often featuring a slight rose or green colouration on the nape in males.
• Many subspecies display whitish underparts with fine dark barring and a whitish cap.
• Produces a very loud "whoop-a whoop" call that varies slightly by subspecies.

Habitat

Found in rainforest, woodland, scrubland, and rainforest regrowth areas across the Moluccas and New Guinea. The range includes specific localities such as the Admiralty Islands, Bismarck Archipelago, Kai Islands, and the Louisiade Archipelago.

Diet

Feeds on berries from both native plants and introduced weed species. The species may be nomadic, moving in response to the availability of food supplies.

Did you know?

This species was only separated from the sultan's cuckoo-dove in 2016 based on an analysis of vocalisations, yet it retains the Latin binomial assigned to the former, broader species.