Fruit dove profile
Chestnut-naped imperial pigeon
Ducula aenea paulina
Welcome to the profile of the Chestnut-naped imperial pigeon (Ducula aenea paulina). The documented natural range includes Sulawesi. With a body length of 40-47 cm, this species belongs to Ducula – large imperial pigeons. Within the European Fruit Dove Project, the current status is recorded as: small stock. This page brings together distribution data, identification notes and practical husbandry experience, helping keepers and breeders to exchange knowledge and support the…
Profile & short facts for Chestnut-naped imperial pigeon
| English name | Chestnut-naped imperial pigeon |
|---|---|
| German name | Rotnacken-Fruchttaube |
| Scientific name | Ducula aenea paulina |
| Genus | Ducula |
| Category | Ducula - imperial pigeons |
| Distribution | Sulawesi |
| Size / characteristics | 40-47 cm | No reliable external sexing characters for male/female birds. |
| Status | small stock |
Habitat and natural range
tropical lowland rainforests as well as coastal woodland and secondary habitats.
Feeding in the European Fruit Dove Project
Strictly frugivorous. Feeds mainly on a wide range of fleshy forest fruits and wild berries (for example wild figs, nutmeg relatives and laurel fruits), which are swallowed whole. In human care: high-quality fruit-dove diet with fine pellets or granules low in iron, diced soft fruit such as papaya, melon, ripe pear and banana, plus berries.
Husbandry in the European Fruit Dove Project
Very large, active pigeon species. Requires generously sized aviaries with ample free flight space and high perches. As a tropical canopy bird, it must be kept frost-free; in winter a heated shelter, ideally not below 10–15 °C, is strongly recommended.
Breeding and offspring
Typical single-egg breeder; the clutch almost always consists of one egg. Incubation usually lasts about 24–26 days, with a nestling period of roughly 25–30 days. Requires very stable nesting platforms fixed high in the aviary and coarse nesting material such as strong twigs.
Special notes on the species
Shows a particularly contrasting chestnut-brown nape; taxonomically it is often discussed as a separate species.
Conservation status
| IUCN | LC (Least Concern) |
|---|---|
| CITES | Not listed |
| EU species protection | Not listed |
Further sources
Images of the Chestnut-naped imperial pigeon
Image credits
Rotnacken-Fruchttauben (© Thomas Müller)