Fruit dove profile
Red-bellied fruit dove
Ptilinopus greyii
Welcome to the profile of the Red-bellied fruit dove (Ptilinopus greyii). The documented natural range includes New Guinea, Île des Pins and the Loyalty Islands. With a body length of 21-24 cm, this species belongs to the fruit doves of the Australasian region. Within the European Fruit Dove Project, the current status is recorded as: stock being built up. This page brings together distribution data, identification notes and practical husbandry…
Description
Welcome to the profile of the Red-bellied fruit dove (Ptilinopus greyii). The documented natural range includes New Guinea, Île des Pins and the Loyalty Islands. With a body length of 21-24 cm, this species belongs to the fruit doves of the Australasian region. Within the European Fruit Dove Project, the current status is recorded as: stock being built up. 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 Red-bellied fruit dove
| English name | Red-bellied fruit dove |
|---|---|
| German name | Grey-Fruchttaube |
| Scientific name | Ptilinopus greyii |
| Genus | Ptilinopus |
| Category | Ptilinopus - fruit doves |
| Distribution | New Guinea, Île des Pins and the Loyalty Islands |
| Subspecies | none known |
| Size / characteristics | 21-24 cm | External sexing is difficult. females have a less distinct red belly patch |
| Status | stock being built up |
Habitat and natural range
humid tropical forests, monsoon forests and coastal scrublands.
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 known
Special notes on the species
Despite its small Pacific island range, it is surprisingly adaptable and also makes intensive use of secondary scrub forests.
Conservation status
| IUCN | LC (Least Concern) |
|---|---|
| CITES | Not listed |
| EU species protection | Not listed |
Further sources
Images of the Red-bellied fruit dove
Image credits
Greyfruchttaube im Zoo Berlin (© Thomas Weiß)