Fruit dove profile
Madagascar blue pigeon
Alectroenas madagascariensis
Welcome to the profile of the Madagascar blue pigeon (Alectroenas madagascariensis). The documented natural range includes eastern Madagascar. With a body length of 25-28 cm, this species belongs to the blue pigeons. Within the European Fruit Dove Project, the current status is recorded as: currently no longer represented in the project stock. This page brings together distribution data, identification notes and practical husbandry experience, helping keepers and breeders to exchange…
Profile & short facts for Madagascar blue pigeon
| English name | Madagascar blue pigeon |
|---|---|
| German name | Madagaskar-Fruchttaube |
| Scientific name | Alectroenas madagascariensis |
| Genus | Alectroenas |
| Category | Fruit doves of other genera |
| Distribution | eastern Madagascar |
| Subspecies | none |
| Size / characteristics | 25-28 cm | No reliable external sexing characters for male/female birds. |
| Status | currently no longer represented in the project stock |
Habitat and natural range
primary rainforests and dense secondary forests of the eastern Madagascan lowlands.
Feeding in the European Fruit Dove Project
Frugivorous. Takes berries and small wild fruits in the canopy. In human care: finely chopped soft fruit mixed with a specialised fruit-dove soft food and berries.
Husbandry in the European Fruit Dove Project
Delicate fruit-dove species that appreciates dense, well-protected retreats in the aviary. Constant warmth in winter, at least around 18 °C in the shelter, helps prevent illness.
Breeding and offspring
Offer small nesting baskets or platforms in dense foliage. Pairs often harmonise best when they can form naturally from a group. Avoid unnecessary nest inspections.
Subspecies and systematics
none
Special notes on the species
Has conspicuous deep red fleshy wattles at the base of the bill and intense red eye rings; historically closely co-evolved with Madagascar's dense forests.
Conservation status
| CITES | Not listed |
|---|---|
| EU species protection | Not listed |
Further sources
Images of the Madagascar blue pigeon
Image credits
- Brütende Madagaskar-Fruchttaube (© Simon Bruslund)
- Madagaskar-Fruchttaube Jungvogel (© Vogelpark Walsrode)
- Madagaskar-Fruchttaube im Vogelpark Walsrode (© Johannes Pfleiderer)
- Madagaskar-Fruchttaube im Zoo Köln (© Thomas Breuer)