Fruit dove profile
Spectacled imperial pigeon
Ducula perspicillata
Welcome to the profile of the Spectacled imperial pigeon (Ducula perspicillata). The documented natural range includes Moluccas. With a body length of 42 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 Spectacled imperial pigeon
| English name | Spectacled imperial pigeon |
|---|---|
| German name | Brillenfruchttaube |
| Scientific name | Ducula perspicillata |
| Genus | Ducula |
| Category | Ducula - imperial pigeons |
| Distribution | Moluccas |
| Subspecies | 1. Ducula p. perspicillata – northern, western and south-western Moluccas (Morotai, Loleba Besar, Halmahera, Widi, Damar, Ternate, Tidore, Moti, Kayoa, Kasiruta, Bacan, Obi, Bisa and Buru) | 2. Ducula perspicillata neglecta – southern Moluccas (Boano, Seram, Ambon and Saparua) |
| Size / characteristics | 42 cm | No reliable external sexing characters for male/female birds. |
| Status | extremely small stock |
Habitat and natural range
tropical humid lowland forests as well as stark degradierte ehemalige woodland.
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 p. perspicillata – northern, western and south-western Moluccas (Morotai, Loleba Besar, Halmahera, Widi, Damar, Ternate, Tidore, Moti, Kayoa, Kasiruta, Bacan, Obi, Bisa and Buru) | 2. Ducula perspicillata neglecta – southern Moluccas (Boano, Seram, Ambon and Saparua)
Special notes on the species
Has a striking ash-grey head with white spectacle-like eye rings; perfectly camouflaged in the rainforest canopy.
Conservation status
| IUCN | VU (Threatened) |
|---|---|
| CITES | Not listed |
| EU species protection | Not listed |
Further sources
Images of the Spectacled imperial pigeon
Image credits
- Brillenfruchttaube im Houston Zoo (© Johannes Pfleiderer)
- Brillenfruchttaube (© Johannes Pfleiderer)