Fruit dove profile
Pink-headed imperial pigeon
Ducula rosacea
Welcome to the profile of the Pink-headed imperial pigeon (Ducula rosacea). The documented natural range includes Sumatra, Java, Sulawesi, small Sunda Islands, Timor. With a body length of 39-44 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…
Description
Welcome to the profile of the Pink-headed imperial pigeon (Ducula rosacea). The documented natural range includes Sumatra, Java, Sulawesi, small Sunda Islands, Timor. With a body length of 39-44 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 to exchange knowledge and support the long-term conservation breeding of this species.
Profile & short facts for Pink-headed imperial pigeon
| English name | Pink-headed imperial pigeon |
|---|---|
| German name | Inselfruchttaube |
| Scientific name | Ducula rosacea |
| Genus | Ducula |
| Category | Ducula - imperial pigeons |
| Distribution | Sumatra, Java, Sulawesi, small Sunda Islands, Timor |
| Subspecies | none |
| Size / characteristics | 39-44 cm | No reliable external sexing characters for male/female birds. |
| Status | small stock, currently growing due to good breeding results |
Habitat and natural range
monsoon forests, coastal scrub and secondary habitats on small 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
none
Special notes on the species
Due to its restricted island range, it is vulnerable to habitat loss; in flight it produces a distinctive loud wing sound.
Conservation status
| IUCN | LC (Least Concern) |
|---|---|
| CITES | Not listed |
| EU species protection | Not listed |
Further sources
Images of the Pink-headed imperial pigeon
Image credits
- Inselfruchttaube (© Johannes Pfleiderer)
- Inselfruchttauben (© Seth Martens)
- Inselfruchttauben (© Johannes Pfleiderer)