Fruit dove profile
White-bellied imperial pigeon
Ducula forsteni
Welcome to the profile of the White-bellied imperial pigeon (Ducula forsteni). The documented natural range includes Sulawesi. With a body length of 42,5-51,5 cm, this species belongs to Ducula – large imperial pigeons. Within the European Fruit Dove Project, the current status is recorded as: extremely 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 White-bellied imperial pigeon
| English name | White-bellied imperial pigeon |
|---|---|
| German name | Weißbauch-Fruchttaube |
| Scientific name | Ducula forsteni |
| Genus | Ducula |
| Category | Ducula - imperial pigeons |
| Distribution | Sulawesi |
| Subspecies | none |
| Size / characteristics | 42,5-51,5 cm | 510 g | External sexing is difficult. Females show darker grey areas in the plumage. |
| Status | extremely small stock |
Habitat and natural range
hill and mountain forests, preferably at elevations between 200 and 2.200 Metern.
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
none
Special notes on the species
Striking for its white belly and dark green breast; in its Sulawesi homeland it is an important seed disperser for primary forest trees.
Conservation status
| IUCN | LC (Least Concern) |
|---|---|
| CITES | Not listed |
| EU species protection | Not listed |
Further sources
Images of the White-bellied imperial pigeon
Image credits
- Weißbauch-Fruchttaube (© Seth Martens)
- Weißbauch-Fruchttaube im San Diego Zoo (© Johannes Pfleiderer)