Fruit dove profile
Papuan mountain pigeon
Gymnophaps albertisii
Welcome to the profile of the Papuan mountain pigeon (Gymnophaps albertisii). The documented natural range includes New Guinea, Bismarck Islands, Bacan (Moluccas). With a body length of 33-36 cm, this species belongs to the mountain pigeons of New Guinea. Within the European Fruit Dove Project, the current status is recorded as: stock still being built up; breeding is not straightforward. This page brings together distribution data, identification notes and practical…
Description
Welcome to the profile of the Papuan mountain pigeon (Gymnophaps albertisii). The documented natural range includes New Guinea, Bismarck Islands, Bacan (Moluccas). With a body length of 33-36 cm, this species belongs to the mountain pigeons of New Guinea. Within the European Fruit Dove Project, the current status is recorded as: stock still being built up; breeding is not straightforward. 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 Papuan mountain pigeon
| English name | Papuan mountain pigeon |
|---|---|
| German name | Albertis-Taube |
| Scientific name | Gymnophaps albertisii |
| Genus | Gymnophaps |
| Category | Fruit doves of other genera |
| Distribution | New Guinea, Bismarck Islands, Bacan (Moluccas) |
| Subspecies | 1. Gymnophaps a. albertisii – New Guinea, Bismarck Islands | 2. Gymnophaps albertisii exsul – Bacan |
| Size / characteristics | 33-36 cm | External sexing is difficult. Females often show darker grey colouring on the breast. |
| Status | stock still being built up; breeding is not straightforward |
Habitat and natural range
Mountain forests, dense rainforests and cloud forests at mid-elevations.
Feeding in the European Fruit Dove Project
Frugivorous. Takes berries and small wild fruits in the canopy. In human care: finely chopped soft fruit mixed with a specialised fruit-dove soft food and berries.
Husbandry in the European Fruit Dove Project
Delicate fruit-dove species that appreciates dense, well-protected retreats in the aviary. Constant warmth in winter, at least around 18 °C in the shelter, helps prevent illness.
Breeding and offspring
Offer small nesting baskets or platforms in dense foliage. Pairs often harmonise best when they can form naturally from a group. Avoid unnecessary nest inspections.
Subspecies and systematics
- Gymnophaps a. albertisii – New Guinea, Bismarck Islands | 2. Gymnophaps albertisii exsul – Bacan
Special notes on the species
Shows spectacular courtship behaviour with steep display dives above the canopy; outside the breeding season it can form very large flocks.
Conservation status
| IUCN | LC (Least Concern) |
|---|---|
| CITES | Not listed |
| EU species protection | Not listed |
Further sources
Images of the Papuan mountain pigeon
Image credits
- Albertis-Taube (© Vogelpark Walsrode)
- Albertis-Taube: Jungvogel (© Peter Tödter)
- Albertis-Tauben (© Peter Tödter)
- Albertis-Taube: Jungvogel im Vogelpark Walsrode (© Johannes Pfleiderer)
- Albertis-Taube (© Johannes Pfleiderer)