Fruit dove profile
Green imperial pigeon (clove form)
Ducula aenea ssp.
Welcome to the profile of the Green imperial pigeon (clove form) (Ducula aenea ssp.). The documented natural range includes India to the Philippines and the Sunda Islands; exact origin unknown. These birds are often still listed as clove fruit doves, although that species originates from the Solomon Islands. With a body length of not yet documented, this species belongs to Ducula – large imperial pigeons. Within the European Fruit Dove…
Description
Welcome to the profile of the Green imperial pigeon (clove form) (Ducula aenea ssp.). The documented natural range includes India to the Philippines and the Sunda Islands; exact origin unknown. These birds are often still listed as clove fruit doves, although that species originates from the Solomon Islands. With a body length of not yet documented, this species belongs to Ducula – large imperial pigeons. Within the European Fruit Dove Project, the current status is recorded as: secure. This page brings together distribution data, identification notes and practical husbandry experience, helping keepers and breeders to exchange knowledge and support the long-term conservation breeding of this species.
Profile & short facts for Green imperial pigeon (clove form)
| English name | Green imperial pigeon (clove form) |
|---|---|
| German name | Bronzefruchttaube ("Nelkenfruchttaube") |
| Scientific name | Ducula aenea ssp. |
| Genus | Ducula |
| Category | Ducula - imperial pigeons |
| Distribution | India to the Philippines and the Sunda Islands; exact origin unknown. These birds are often still listed as clove fruit doves, although that species originates from the Solomon Islands. |
| Subspecies | Ducula aenea has 13 subspecies. Birds in Europe that have been listed as presumed Ducula sylvacia may possibly be hybrids of different subspecies. |
| Status | secure |
| Note | D. sylvacia |
Habitat and natural range
tropical lowland rainforests, dense secondary forests and coastal groves.
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.
Subspecies and systematics
Ducula aenea has 13 subspecies. Birds in Europe that have been listed as presumed Ducula sylvacia may possibly be hybrids of different subspecies.
Special notes on the species
Still sometimes traded incorrectly as the clove fruit dove, although the true clove fruit dove originates from the Solomon Islands. Breeding purity should be observed.
Conservation status
| IUCN | LC (Least Concern) |
|---|---|
| CITES | Not listed |
| EU species protection | Not listed |
Further sources
Image credits
Bronzefruchttaube (© Seth Martens)