Fruit dove profile
Pied imperial pigeon
Ducula bicolor
Welcome to the profile of the Pied imperial pigeon (Ducula bicolor). The documented natural range includes Myanmar and Thailand to Philippines and New Guinea. With a body length of 35-42 cm, this species belongs to Ducula – large imperial pigeons. Within the European Fruit Dove Project, the current status is recorded as: stock currently stable within the project. This page brings together distribution data, identification notes and practical husbandry experience…
Description
Welcome to the profile of the Pied imperial pigeon (Ducula bicolor). The documented natural range includes Myanmar and Thailand to Philippines and New Guinea. With a body length of 35-42 cm, this species belongs to Ducula – large imperial pigeons. Within the European Fruit Dove Project, the current status is recorded as: stock currently stable within the project. 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 Pied imperial pigeon
| English name | Pied imperial pigeon |
|---|---|
| German name | Zweifarben-Fruchttaube |
| Scientific name | Ducula bicolor |
| Genus | Ducula |
| Category | Ducula - imperial pigeons |
| Distribution | Myanmar and Thailand to Philippines and New Guinea |
| Subspecies | 1. Ducula b. bicolor – largest part of the range | 2. Ducula bicolor melanura – Moluccas, small Sunda Islands |
| Size / characteristics | 35-42 cm | No reliable external sexing characters for male/female birds. |
| Status | stock currently stable within the project |
Habitat and natural range
coastal forests, mangroves, coconut plantations and small wooded coral islands.
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 b. bicolor – largest part of the range | 2. Ducula bicolor melanura – Moluccas, small Sunda Islands
Special notes on the species
Also known as the Pied imperial pigeon; moves in huge flocks between small islands to exploit seasonal fruiting trees.
Conservation status
| IUCN | VU (Threatened) |
|---|---|
| CITES | Not listed |
| EU species protection | Not listed |
Further sources
Images of the Pied imperial pigeon
Image credits
- Zweifarben-Fruchttaube (© Thomas Breuer)
- Zweifarben-Fruchttauben (© Seth Martens)