Fruit dove profile

Torresian imperial pigeon

Ducula spilorrhoa

Description

Welcome to the profile of the Torresian imperial pigeon (Ducula spilorrhoa). The documented natural range includes New Guinea, Aru Islands and Torres Strait Islands, north-eastern Australia. With a body length of 38–44 cm. almost entirely white to cream-coloured plumage with contrasting black primaries and spots on the undertail coverts. No reliable external sexing characters for male/female birds. ring size: 7,0 mm, this species belongs to Ducula – large imperial pigeons. Within the European Fruit Dove Project, the current status is recorded as: small 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 Torresian imperial pigeon

English name	Torresian imperial pigeon
German name	Kaiserfruchttaube
Scientific name	Ducula spilorrhoa
Genus	Ducula
Category	Ducula - imperial pigeons
Distribution	New Guinea, Aru Islands and Torres Strait Islands, north-eastern Australia
Subspecies	none \| The forms Ducula constans and D. subflavescens, formerly treated as subspecies, are now often separated as distinct species. \| At the same time, this taxon is still sometimes treated as a subspecies of the Pied imperial pigeon (Ducula bicolor).
Size / characteristics	38–44 cm. almost entirely white to cream-coloured plumage with contrasting black primaries and spots on the undertail coverts. No reliable external sexing characters for male/female birds. Ring size: 7,0 mm
Status	small stock

Habitat and natural range

coastal forests, mangroves, Eukalyptus-Savannen and urbane Parklandschaften.

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 | The forms Ducula constans and D. subflavescens, formerly treated as subspecies, are now often separated as distinct species. | At the same time, this taxon is still sometimes treated as a subspecies of the Pied imperial pigeon (Ducula bicolor).

Special notes on the species

Known for nomadic movements across sea straits; often nests in huge colonies on tiny predator-free islands.

Conservation status

IUCN	LC (Least Concern)
CITES	Not listed
EU species protection	Not listed

Further sources

Images of the Torresian imperial pigeon

Kopfansicht der Kaiserfruchttaube - Kaiserfruchttaube (Ducula spilorrhoa) — Kopfansicht der Kaiserfruchttaube (© Johannes Pfleiderer)

Image credits

Färbung der Unterschwanzdecken von Kaiserfruchttaube (rechts) und Zweifarben-Fruchttaube (links) im Vergleich (© Seth Martens)