Fruit dove profile
Purple-tailed imperial pigeon
Ducula rufigaster
Welcome to the profile of the Purple-tailed imperial pigeon (Ducula rufigaster). The documented natural range includes New Guinea. With a body length of not yet documented, this species belongs to Ducula – large imperial pigeons. Within the European Fruit Dove Project, the current status is recorded as: very small stock. This page brings together distribution data, identification notes and practical husbandry experience, helping keepers and breeders to exchange knowledge and…
Profile & short facts for Purple-tailed imperial pigeon
| English name | Purple-tailed imperial pigeon |
|---|---|
| German name | Rostbauch-Fruchttaube |
| Scientific name | Ducula rufigaster |
| Genus | Ducula |
| Category | Ducula - imperial pigeons |
| Distribution | New Guinea |
| Subspecies | 1. Ducula r. rufigaster | 2. Ducula rufigaster uropygialis |
| Status | very small stock |
Habitat and natural range
dense, humid primary lowland forests, rarely above 600 m elevation.
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. rufigaster | 2. Ducula rufigaster uropygialis
Special notes on the species
Striking for its unusual rusty-brown underparts and silver-grey head; lives very secretively in dense undergrowth.
Conservation status
| IUCN | LC (Least Concern) |
|---|---|
| CITES | Not listed |
| EU species protection | Not listed |
Further sources
Images of the Purple-tailed imperial pigeon
Image credits
Rostbauch-Fruchttaube (© Johannes Pfleiderer)