Fruit dove profile
Red-knobbed imperial pigeon
Ducula rubricera
Welcome to the profile of the Red-knobbed imperial pigeon (Ducula rubricera). The documented natural range includes Bismarck Archipelago, Solomon Islands. With a body length of 38-45 cm, this species belongs to Ducula – large imperial pigeons. Within the European Fruit Dove Project, the current status is recorded as: small stock, still being built up. This page brings together distribution data, identification notes and practical husbandry experience, helping keepers and breeders…
Profile & short facts for Red-knobbed imperial pigeon
| English name | Red-knobbed imperial pigeon |
|---|---|
| German name | Rothöcker-Fruchttaube |
| Scientific name | Ducula rubricera |
| Genus | Ducula |
| Category | Ducula - imperial pigeons |
| Distribution | Bismarck Archipelago, Solomon Islands |
| Subspecies | 1. Ducula r. rubricera – Bismarck Archipelago | 2. Ducula rubricera rufigula – Solomon Islands | All project birds belong to the subspecies rufigula. |
| Size / characteristics | 38-45 cm | No reliable external sexing characters for male/female birds. |
| Status | small stock, still being built up |
Habitat and natural range
lowland rainforests, foothill forests and old, overgrown secondary habitats.
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 r. rubricera – Bismarck Archipelago | 2. Ducula rubricera rufigula – Solomon Islands | All project birds belong to the subspecies rufigula.
Special notes on the species
Has the namesake bright red fleshy knob on the upper bill, which swells during courtship.
Conservation status
| IUCN | LC (Least Concern) |
|---|---|
| CITES | Not listed |
| EU species protection | Not listed |
Further sources
Images of the Red-knobbed imperial pigeon
Image credits
Rothöcker-Fruchttaube (© Johannes Pfleiderer)