Fruit dove profile
Pink-spotted fruit dove
Ptilinopus perlatus
Welcome to the profile of the Pink-spotted fruit dove (Ptilinopus perlatus). The documented natural range includes New Guinea and offshore islands. With a body length of 25-27 cm, this species belongs to the fruit doves of the Australasian region. Within the European Fruit Dove Project, the current status is recorded as: small stock. This page brings together distribution data, identification notes and practical husbandry experience, helping keepers and breeders to…
Profile & short facts for Pink-spotted fruit dove
| English name | Pink-spotted fruit dove |
|---|---|
| German name | Perlenfruchttaube |
| Scientific name | Ptilinopus perlatus |
| Genus | Ptilinopus |
| Category | Ptilinopus - fruit doves |
| Distribution | New Guinea and offshore islands |
| Subspecies | 1. Ptilinopus p. perlatus – north-western New Guinea, Salawati, Waigeo, Yapen | 2. Ptilinopus perlatus plumbeicollis – Nordost-New Guinea | 3. Ptilinopus perlatus zonurus – Aru Islands, southern New Guinea |
| Size / characteristics | 25-27 cm | No reliable external sexing characters for male/female birds. |
| Status | small stock |
Habitat and natural range
lowland and coastal forests, secondary forests, mangroves and plantations.
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 p. perlatus – north-western New Guinea, Salawati, Waigeo, Yapen | 2. Ptilinopus perlatus plumbeicollis – Nordost-New Guinea | 3. Ptilinopus perlatus zonurus – Aru Islands, southern New Guinea
Special notes on the species
Noticeable for small pearl-like white spots on the wing coverts; very social and often found in small groups.
Conservation status
| IUCN | LC (Least Concern) |
|---|---|
| CITES | Not listed |
| EU species protection | Not listed |
Further sources
Images of the Pink-spotted fruit dove
Image credits
Perlenfruchttaube im Zoo Köln (© Thomas Breuer)