Fruit dove profile
Wompoo fruit dove
Megaloprepia magnifica
Welcome to the profile of the Wompoo fruit dove (Megaloprepia magnifica). The documented natural range includes New Guinea, Ostaustralien. With a body length of 29-45 cm, this species belongs to the fruit doves of the Australasian region. Within the European Fruit Dove Project, the current status is recorded as: small stock, still being built up; breeding is not easy. This page brings together distribution data, identification notes and practical husbandry…
Description
Welcome to the profile of the Wompoo fruit dove (Megaloprepia magnifica). The documented natural range includes New Guinea, Ostaustralien. With a body length of 29-45 cm, this species belongs to the fruit doves of the Australasian region. Within the European Fruit Dove Project, the current status is recorded as: small stock, still being built up; breeding is not easy. 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 Wompoo fruit dove
| English name | Wompoo fruit dove |
|---|---|
| German name | Purpurbrust-Fruchttaube |
| Scientific name | Megaloprepia magnifica |
| Genus | Megaloprepia |
| Category | Fruit doves of other genera |
| Distribution | New Guinea, Ostaustralien |
| Subspecies | 1. Megaloprepia magnifica magnifica – eastern Australia (southern Queensland to central eastern New South Wales) | 2. Megaloprepia magnifica puella – north-western New Guinea (Vogelkop Peninsula) and offshore islands (Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati and Misool) | 3. Megaloprepia magnifica poliura – lowlands of New Guinea (except the Vogelkop Peninsula) and offshore islands along the northern coast | 4. Megaloprepia magnifica assimilis – north-eastern Australia (Cape York Peninsula) | 5. Megaloprepia magnifica keri – north-eastern Australia (Bellenden Ker Range) |
| Size / characteristics | 29-45 cm | No reliable external sexing characters for male/female birds. | Husbandry: | Ring size: 7,0 |
| Status | small stock, still being built up; breeding is not easy |
| Synonyms | Ptilinopus magnificus |
Habitat and natural range
tropical and subtropical primary rainforests as well as humid gallery forests.
Feeding in the European Fruit Dove Project
Frugivorous. Specialised in small forest berries and figs typical of fruit doves. In human care: fine fruit-dove granules, mixed berries such as elderberries and currants, and finely diced sweet fruit.
Husbandry in the European Fruit Dove Project
Small to medium-sized, highly colourful aviary species. Needs a well-structured, planted aviary with fine branches. Because these are tropical birds, year-round husbandry at minimum temperatures of about 18–20 °C in a heated shelter is recommended.
Breeding and offspring
Breeding is considered demanding. Pairs require quiet conditions and can react sensitively to nest checks. The clutch usually consists of a single egg; incubation is about 18–20 days. Offer fine twigs and coconut fibres as nesting material.
Subspecies and systematics
- Megaloprepia magnifica magnifica – eastern Australia (southern Queensland to central eastern New South Wales) | 2. Megaloprepia magnifica puella – north-western New Guinea (Vogelkop Peninsula) and offshore islands (Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati and Misool) | 3. Megaloprepia magnifica poliura – lowlands of New Guinea (except the Vogelkop Peninsula) and offshore islands along the northern coast | 4. Megaloprepia magnifica assimilis – north-eastern Australia (Cape York Peninsula) | 5. Megaloprepia magnifica keri – north-eastern Australia (Bellenden Ker Range)
Special notes on the species
Because of its bright green, yellow and purple-red plumage, it is considered one of the most colourful large birds of Australia and New Guinea.
Conservation status
| IUCN | LC (Least Concern) |
|---|---|
| CITES | Not listed |
| EU species protection | Not listed |
Further sources
Images of the Wompoo fruit dove
Image credits
- Purpurbrust-Fruchttaube mit Jungtier (© Thomas Breuer)
- Purpurbrust-Fruchttaube mit Jungvogel im Zoo Köln (© Thomas Breuer)
- Purpurbrust-Fruchttaube im Zoo Köln (© Thomas Breuer)