Fruit dove profile
Coroneted Fruit Dove (Ptilinopus coronulatus)
Species at a glance
The Coroneted Fruit Dove (Ptilinopus coronulatus) is a small, predominantly green fruit dove of New Guinea with a violet-pink crown and yellowish plumage areas. Five subspecies occupy different regions of New Guinea and several offshore islands. The stock within the European Fruit Dove Project is regarded as secure.
- Distribution
- Lowland regions of New Guinea, together with Salawati, Yapen and the Aru Islands.
- Size / characteristics
- about 18–21 cm | predominantly green plumage, violet-pink crown and yellowish breast, belly and undertail areas | sexes similar, female often slightly duller
- Status
- Project stock secure
Description
The Coroneted Fruit Dove is readily identified by its violet to pinkish crown patch. The remaining plumage is mainly green, with yellowish areas on the breast, belly and undertail; females are often slightly duller. The species occurs in lowland regions of New Guinea and on several offshore islands. Five subspecies are recognised. At fruiting trees it may associate with other fruit dove species. The secure project stock provides a good basis for long-term documentation of lineages, breeding results and husbandry observations.
Profile & short facts for Coroneted Fruit Dove
| English name | Coroneted Fruit Dove |
|---|---|
| German name | Veilchenkappen-Fruchttaube |
| Scientific name | Ptilinopus coronulatus |
| Genus | Ptilinopus |
| Category | Ptilinopus - fruit doves |
| Distribution | Lowland regions of New Guinea, together with Salawati, Yapen and the Aru Islands. |
| Subspecies | Ptilinopus c. coronulatus – southern New Guinea and the Aru Islands | P. c. trigeminus – western Bird's Head Peninsula and Salawati | P. c. geminus – northwestern New Guinea and Yapen | P. c. quadrigeminus – northern New Guinea | P. c. huonensis – northeastern New Guinea. |
| Size / characteristics | about 18–21 cm | predominantly green plumage, violet-pink crown and yellowish breast, belly and undertail areas | sexes similar, female often slightly duller |
| Status | Project stock secure |
Habitat and natural range
Lowland and gallery forest, forest edges, dense secondary growth and wooded transition zones.
Feeding in the European Fruit Dove Project
The species feeds mainly on small fruits, berries and figs taken from trees and shrubs. In human care, a varied selection of suitably small fruits should be combined with a balanced complementary food for frugivorous pigeons. Multiple feeding sites facilitate the management of small groups.
Husbandry in the European Fruit Dove Project
This small and active species requires a spacious, densely planted and permanently frost-free aviary with short open flight paths, fine perches and protected retreat areas. Calm routines, visual screening and several feeding sites help limit stress and competition.
Breeding and offspring
Well-protected elevated nesting baskets or small platforms with fine twig material should be provided. Unnecessary nest inspections should be avoided. In the secure project stock, pair formation, laying, hatching, rearing and pedigree should continue to be documented completely.
Subspecies and systematics
Ptilinopus c. coronulatus – southern New Guinea and the Aru Islands | P. c. trigeminus – western Bird's Head Peninsula and Salawati | P. c. geminus – northwestern New Guinea and Yapen | P. c. quadrigeminus – northern New Guinea | P. c. huonensis – northeastern New Guinea.
Special notes on the species
The violet-pink crown is the most conspicuous feature. At abundant fruiting trees, the species may forage alongside other Ptilinopus fruit doves.
Conservation status
| IUCN | Least Concern |
|---|---|
| CITES | Not listed |
| EU species protection | Not listed |
| Ring size | 5,0–5,5 mm |
Further sources
Images of the Coroneted Fruit Dove
Image credits
Veilchenkappen-Fruchttaube im Zoo Berlin (© Johannes Pfleiderer)
