Fruit dove profile
Black-naped fruit dove
Ptilinopus melanospilus
Welcome to the profile of the Black-naped fruit dove (Ptilinopus melanospilus). The documented natural range includes Greater and Lesser Sunda Islands, Sulawesi, Philippines. With a body length of 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 secure, bred regularly; suitable as an introductory fruit dove for experienced keepers. This page brings together…
Description
Welcome to the profile of the Black-naped fruit dove (Ptilinopus melanospilus). The documented natural range includes Greater and Lesser Sunda Islands, Sulawesi, Philippines. With a body length of 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 secure, bred regularly; suitable as an introductory fruit dove for experienced keepers. 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 Black-naped fruit dove
| English name | Black-naped fruit dove |
|---|---|
| German name | Schwarznacken-Fruchttaube |
| Scientific name | Ptilinopus melanospilus |
| Genus | Ptilinopus |
| Category | Ptilinopus - fruit doves |
| Distribution | Greater and Lesser Sunda Islands, Sulawesi, Philippines |
| Subspecies | 1. Ptilinopus m. melanospilus | 2. Ptilinopus melanospilus bangueyensis | 3. Ptilinopus melanospilus chrysorrhous | 4. Ptilinopus melanospilus melanauchen | 5. Ptilinopus melanospilus xanthorrhous |
| Size / characteristics | 24 cm | For sexual dimorphism, see the images. | Husbandry: | Temperature: preferably not below 20 °C | May be kept with other pigeons in suitable mixed aviaries | Ring size: 6,0-6,5 | Breeding: | Incubation period: 18 days | nestling period: 12-14 days | moulting into adult plumage: approx. 6 months |
| Status | stock secure, bred regularly; suitable as an introductory fruit dove for experienced keepers |
Habitat and natural range
tropical humid forests, hill forests and semi-open wooded landscapes.
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
- Ptilinopus m. melanospilus | 2. Ptilinopus melanospilus bangueyensis | 3. Ptilinopus melanospilus chrysorrhous | 4. Ptilinopus melanospilus melanauchen | 5. Ptilinopus melanospilus xanthorrhous
Special notes on the species
The male carries a deep black nape patch and a yellow throat; one of the most frequently bred small fruit doves in Europe.
Conservation status
| IUCN | LC (Least Concern) |
|---|---|
| CITES | Not listed |
| EU species protection | Not listed |
Further sources
Images of the Black-naped fruit dove
Image credits
Schwarznacken-Fruchttaube im Zoo Köln (© Thomas Breuer)