Fruit dove profile
Pacific imperial pigeon
Ducula pacifica
Welcome to the profile of the Pacific imperial pigeon (Ducula pacifica). The documented natural range includes Wigi-Islands (Moluccas); Raja-Ampat-Islands, Biak, Numfor, Meos Num (New Guinea offshore). With a body length of 41-43 cm, this species belongs to Ducula – large imperial pigeons. Within the European Fruit Dove Project, the current status is recorded as: currently not represented in the project stock. This page brings together distribution data, identification notes and…
Description
Welcome to the profile of the Pacific imperial pigeon (Ducula pacifica). The documented natural range includes Wigi-Islands (Moluccas); Raja-Ampat-Islands, Biak, Numfor, Meos Num (New Guinea offshore). With a body length of 41-43 cm, this species belongs to Ducula – large imperial pigeons. Within the European Fruit Dove Project, the current status is recorded as: currently not represented in the project stock. 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 Pacific imperial pigeon
| English name | Pacific imperial pigeon |
|---|---|
| German name | Tongafruchttaube |
| Scientific name | Ducula pacifica |
| Genus | Ducula |
| Category | Ducula - imperial pigeons |
| Distribution | Wigi-Islands (Moluccas); Raja-Ampat-Islands, Biak, Numfor, Meos Num (New Guinea offshore) |
| Subspecies | 1. Ducula m. myristicivora – Wigi-Islands, Raja-Ampat-Islands | 2. Ducula myristicivora geelvinkiana – Biak, Numfor, Meos Num |
| Size / characteristics | 41-43 cm | No reliable external sexing characters for male/female birds. |
| Status | currently not represented in the project stock |
Habitat and natural range
primary and secondary forests on smaller islands, farmland with fruiting trees.
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 m. myristicivora – Wigi-Islands, Raja-Ampat-Islands | 2. Ducula myristicivora geelvinkiana – Biak, Numfor, Meos Num
Special notes on the species
Plays a central role in the mythology and culture of many Polynesian peoples; historically it was kept as a domestic bird on islands.
Conservation status
| IUCN | LC (Least Concern) |
|---|---|
| CITES | Not listed |
| EU species protection | Not listed |
Further sources
Images of the Pacific imperial pigeon
Image credits
Schwarzhöcker-Fruchttaube bei Henk Naberman (© Johannes Pfleiderer)