Fruit dove profile

Jambu Fruit Dove (Ptilinopus jambu)

Jambu Fruit Dove (Ptilinopus jambu)

Species at a glance

The Jambu Fruit Dove (Ramphiculus jambu) is a small, vividly coloured forest pigeon of Southeast Asia. The male combines a bright red face, pale underparts and green upperparts, while the female is predominantly green. The species is currently classified as Vulnerable, and the project stock remains very small.

Distribution
Southern Thailand, the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo and western Java.
Size / characteristics
about 23–27 cm | male with bright red facial mask, whitish underparts and green upperparts; female predominantly green and much less contrasting | pronounced sexual dimorphism
Status
Stock still being developed and very small

Description

The Jambu Fruit Dove inhabits lowland forest and moist wooded landscapes of the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo and western Java. Males have a conspicuous red facial mask and pale underparts, whereas females are much greener and less conspicuous. The species is monotypic. Habitat loss and continuing conversion of lowland forest have resulted in its current classification as Vulnerable. Current world lists place the species in the genus Ramphiculus; the project record still uses the former name Ptilinopus jambu.

Profile & short facts for Jambu Fruit Dove

English nameJambu Fruit Dove
German nameJambufruchttaube
Scientific namePtilinopus jambu
GenusPtilinopus
CategoryPtilinopus - fruit doves
DistributionSouthern Thailand, the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo and western Java.
SubspeciesMonotypic; no subspecies are currently widely recognised.
Size / characteristicsabout 23–27 cm | male with bright red facial mask, whitish underparts and green upperparts; female predominantly green and much less contrasting | pronounced sexual dimorphism
StatusStock still being developed and very small

Habitat and natural range

Moist lowland forest, peat-swamp and swamp forest, mangroves, mature secondary woodland and wooded cultivated landscapes.

Feeding in the European Fruit Dove Project

The species feeds mainly on small fruits, berries and figs. In human care, a varied selection of suitable fruits should be combined with a balanced complementary food for frugivorous pigeons. Food intake, body weight and condition require close monitoring in the very small stock.

Husbandry in the European Fruit Dove Project

This disturbance-sensitive species requires a spacious, densely planted and permanently frost-free aviary with short open flight paths, fine perches and protected retreat areas. Calm husbandry routines, visual screening and multiple feeding sites are especially important.

Breeding and offspring

Well-screened elevated nesting baskets or small platforms with fine twig material should be offered. Unnecessary nest inspections should be avoided. In the very small developing stock, pair formation, pedigree, laying, hatching and juvenile development must be documented completely.

Subspecies and systematics

Monotypic; no subspecies are currently widely recognised.

Special notes on the species

In 2025, current world lists transferred the species from Ptilinopus to Ramphiculus. The scientific name stored in the project requires a separate update.

Conservation status

IUCNVulnerable
CITESNot listed
EU species protectionNot listed
Ring size6,0–7,0 mm

Further sources

Image credits

  • Jambu-Fruchttaube (© Johannes Pfleiderer)
  • Jambu-Fruchttaube (© Manfred Brunkhorst)
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