Fruit dove profile
Orange-fronted fruit dove
Ptilinopus aurantiifrons
Welcome to the profile of the Orange-fronted fruit dove (Ptilinopus aurantiifrons). The documented natural range includes coastal regions of New Guinea except the north-eastern part; Yapen, Raja Ampat and Aru Islands. With a body length of 22-23 cm, this species belongs to the fruit doves of the Australasian region. Within the European Fruit Dove Project, the current status is recorded as: very small stock. This page brings together distribution data…
Description
Welcome to the profile of the Orange-fronted fruit dove (Ptilinopus aurantiifrons). The documented natural range includes coastal regions of New Guinea except the north-eastern part; Yapen, Raja Ampat and Aru Islands. With a body length of 22-23 cm, this species belongs to the fruit doves of the Australasian region. Within the European Fruit Dove Project, the current status is recorded as: very 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 Orange-fronted fruit dove
| English name | Orange-fronted fruit dove |
|---|---|
| German name | Goldstirn-Fruchttaube |
| Scientific name | Ptilinopus aurantiifrons |
| Genus | Ptilinopus |
| Category | Ptilinopus - fruit doves |
| Distribution | coastal regions of New Guinea except the north-eastern part; Yapen, Raja Ampat and Aru Islands |
| Subspecies | none |
| Size / characteristics | 22-23 cm | External sexing is difficult. females have duller plumage | Husbandry: | Ring size: 6,5-7,0 |
| Status | very small stock |
Habitat and natural range
tropical lowland rainforests, gallery forests and humid forest edges.
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
none
Special notes on the species
Has a conspicuous golden-yellow frontal patch; shows pronounced territorial behaviour during the breeding season.
Conservation status
| IUCN | LC (Least Concern) |
|---|---|
| CITES | Not listed |
| EU species protection | Not listed |
Further sources
Images of the Orange-fronted fruit dove
Image credits
Goldstirn-Fruchttaube im Zoo Köln (© Thomas Breuer)