Fruit dove profile
Banded imperial pigeon
Ducula zoeae
Welcome to the profile of the Banded imperial pigeon (Ducula zoeae). The documented natural range includes New Guinea. With a body length of 38–41 cm. Characteristic narrow black collar separating the clean grey breast from the vinous-red belly. No reliable external sexing characters for male/female birds. recommended ring size: 7,0 mm, this species belongs to Ducula – large imperial pigeons. Within the European Fruit Dove Project, the current status is…
Description
Welcome to the profile of the Banded imperial pigeon (Ducula zoeae). The documented natural range includes New Guinea. With a body length of 38–41 cm. Characteristic narrow black collar separating the clean grey breast from the vinous-red belly. No reliable external sexing characters for male/female birds. recommended 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: currently not represented in the project 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 Banded imperial pigeon
| English name | Banded imperial pigeon |
|---|---|
| German name | Halsband-Fruchttaube |
| Scientific name | Ducula zoeae |
| Genus | Ducula |
| Category | Ducula - imperial pigeons |
| Distribution | New Guinea |
| Subspecies | none |
| Size / characteristics | 38–41 cm. Characteristic narrow black collar separating the clean grey breast from the vinous-red belly. No reliable external sexing characters for male/female birds. recommended ring size: 7,0 mm |
| Status | currently not represented in the project stock |
Habitat and natural range
primary lowland rainforest and hill forests below 1,000 metres 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
none
Special notes on the species
Carries a very characteristic narrow black breast band; genetically one of the most isolated Ducula species.
Conservation status
| IUCN | LC (Least Concern) |
|---|---|
| CITES | Not listed |
| EU species protection | Not listed |
Further sources
Images of the Banded imperial pigeon
Image credits
- Halsband-Fruchttaube (© Vogelpark Walsrode)
- Halsband-Fruchttaube (© Johannes Pfleiderer)