Wompoo Fruit Dove

Overview

The wompoo fruit dove (Megaloprepia magnifica), also known as the wompoo pigeon or magnificent fruit dove, is one of the larger fruit doves native to New Guinea and eastern Australia. It is a widespread and common species evaluated as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Measures up to 45 cm in overall length, though generally smaller in northern regions.
• Features purple plumage on the neck, chest, and upper belly, with a yellow lower belly and green underparts.
• Juveniles possess duller, greener plumage compared to adults.
• Call sounds like 'wollack-wa-hoo' and often appears very human.

Habitat

Native to New Guinea and eastern Australia, the species inhabits rainforests where it feeds on fruit-bearing trees. It ranges from the Raja Ampat Islands and Bird's Head Peninsula in northwest New Guinea to southeast Queensland and central south New South Wales in Australia.

Diet

Primarily feeds on fruits from rainforest trees, particularly figs, cinnamon, palms, and Annonaceae species, while occasionally consuming insects. The bird can swallow fruits up to 2 cm in diameter and often forages in large flocks when food is abundant. It prefers to stay within its local area rather than travelling long distances, utilising seasonal fruit availability.

Did you know?

Notwithstanding their bright plumage, these birds are hard to see amongst the forest canopy thanks to their unobtrusive and quiet habits.