White-bibbed Fruit Dove

Overview

The white-bibbed fruit dove (Ptilinopus rivoli) is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Body length ranges from 23.5 to 26 centimetres, appearing smaller but more compact with a shorter, rounded tail than an African collared dove.
• Plumage is predominantly dark green, with a large crescent-shaped white band on the chest that may have a yellowish tinge depending on the subspecies.
• Males possess a striking purple head cap, while females are almost entirely green feathered, creating a distinct sexual dimorphism.
• Features a bright yellow beak; tail feathers are typically bright yellow, though they may be green in some subspecies.

Habitat

Found in the Maluku Islands, New Guinea, and the Bismarck Archipelago, including surrounding islands such as Buru, Seram, and Karkar. Natural habitats consist of subtropical or tropical moist lowland and montane forests, with a preference for primary mountain forest over secondary growth. In New Guinea, it typically occurs at altitudes between 1,000 and 3,260 metres, though it can be found in lowlands on smaller islands like the Aru Islands.

Diet

This species feeds on fruit, picking it from branches and seldom foraging on the ground. It is predominantly a canopy species.

Did you know?

The species lays a clutch of two eggs, a trait that is atypical for fruit pigeons native to New Guinea.