Fruit dove profile
Grey-necked imperial pigeon
Ducula carola
Welcome to the profile of the Grey-necked imperial pigeon (Ducula carola). The documented natural range includes Philippines. With a body length of 33 cm, this species belongs to Ducula – large imperial pigeons. Within the European Fruit Dove Project, the current status is recorded as: small stock, currently growing due to good breeding results. This page brings together distribution data, identification notes and practical husbandry experience, helping keepers and breeders…
Profile & short facts for Grey-necked imperial pigeon
| English name | Grey-necked imperial pigeon |
|---|---|
| German name | Hufeisen-Fruchttaube |
| Scientific name | Ducula carola |
| Genus | Ducula |
| Category | Ducula - imperial pigeons |
| Distribution | Philippines |
| Subspecies | 1. Ducula c. carola – Luzon, Mindoro | 2. Ducula carola mindanensis – Mindanao | 3. Ducula carola negrorum – Negros, Panay | All birds in the project belong to the nominate form (Ducula c. carola). |
| Size / characteristics | 33 cm | For sexual dimorphism, see the images. |
| Status | small stock, currently growing due to good breeding results |
Habitat and natural range
primary montane and lowland rainforests, often near river courses.
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 c. carola – Luzon, Mindoro | 2. Ducula carola mindanensis – Mindanao | 3. Ducula carola negrorum – Negros, Panay | All birds in the project belong to the nominate form (Ducula c. carola).
Special notes on the species
The only Ducula species with very strong sexual dimorphism; males and females show completely different breast and head colours.
Conservation status
| IUCN | LC (Least Concern) |
|---|---|
| CITES | Not listed |
| EU species protection | Not listed |
Further sources
Images of the Grey-necked imperial pigeon
Image credits
- Hufeisen-Fruchttaube Jungvogel (© Seth Martens)
- Hufeisen-Fruchttauben (© Seth Martens)
- Hufeisen-Fruchttaube im Zoo Prag (© Johannes Pfleiderer)
- Hufeisen-Fruchttaube Jungvogel bei Seth Martens (© Johannes Pfleiderer)