Fruit dove profile
Papuan mountain pigeon
Gymnophaps albertisii
Species at a glance
Papuan mountain pigeon (Gymnophaps albertisii) occurs in New Guinea, Bismarck Islands, Bacan (Moluccas). It is mainly associated with mountain forests, dense rainforests and cloud forests at mid-elevations. This short profile summarizes identification, husbandry notes and project status: the project stock is being built up, and breeding is considered challenging.
- Distribution
- New Guinea, Bismarck Islands, Bacan (Moluccas)
- 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
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)
