Amethyst Brown Dove

Overview

The amethyst brown dove (Phapitreron amethystinus) is a species of bird in the family Columbidae, endemic to the Philippines. It is generally rather scarce in much of its range, though it is very common in the Sierra Madre in northern Luzon. The species is classified as Least Concern, with a stable population thought to be unquantified but persistent in specific regions.

Identification

• Plumage: Generally darker brown than similar species, featuring purplish-brown underparts with a grey tinge, rich tan undertail-coverts, and a reddish-brown chin and throat with darker streaking.
• Markings: Distinct dark and white sub-ocular eye-lines, an extensive bluer purple patch on the mantle, and amethyst or purple iridescence on the nape.
• Bill: Noticeably longer and heavier than the tarsus.
• Song: A deep, sonorous "hoop" and a rapid "poo-poo-poo-poop", with birds often sitting and calling for long periods.

Habitat

This dove occurs in tropical moist lowland and montane forests, typically found in humid interiors and dense secondary forest. It prefers middle and high elevations between 500 and 2000 meters, although it is present in lowlands. Its range includes Luzon, the Polillo Islands, Catanduanes, Samar, Bohol, and Mindanao.

Diet

Diet consists of seeds and fruits, which the bird forages for in and around fruiting trees. It is most often seen singly or in pairs, but may congregate in fruiting trees to feed.

Did you know?

A subspecies, P. a. frontalis (the Cebu brown dove), was not observed with certainty since 1892 and is classified as Critically Endangered (Possibly Extinct), making it one of the longest-unseen birds in the region.