Fruit dove profile
Mariana fruit dove
Ptilinopus roseicapilla
Welcome to the profile of the Mariana fruit dove (Ptilinopus roseicapilla). The documented natural range includes southern Marianen-Islands (Saipan, Tinian, Agiguan, Guam). With a body length of 22-24 cm, this species belongs to the fruit doves of the Australasian region. Within the European Fruit Dove Project, the current status is recorded as: currently not represented in the project stock. This page brings together distribution data, identification notes and practical husbandry…
Description
Welcome to the profile of the Mariana fruit dove (Ptilinopus roseicapilla). The documented natural range includes southern Marianen-Islands (Saipan, Tinian, Agiguan, Guam). With a body length of 22-24 cm, this species belongs to the fruit doves of the Australasian region. Within the European Fruit Dove Project, the current status is recorded as: currently not represented in the project stock. 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 Mariana fruit dove
| English name | Mariana fruit dove |
|---|---|
| German name | Rosenkopf-Fruchttaube |
| Scientific name | Ptilinopus roseicapilla |
| Genus | Ptilinopus |
| Category | Ptilinopus - fruit doves |
| Distribution | southern Marianen-Islands (Saipan, Tinian, Agiguan, Guam) |
| Subspecies | none |
| Size / characteristics | 22-24 cm | No reliable external sexing characters for male/female birds. |
| Status | currently not represented in the project stock |
Habitat and natural range
coastal thickets, mangroves and humid forests on small Pacific islands.
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
Special notes on the species
National bird of the Northern Mariana Islands; highly threatened on Guam by the introduced brown tree snake.
Conservation status
| IUCN | LC (Least Concern) |
|---|---|
| CITES | Not listed |
| EU species protection | Not listed |
Further sources
Images of the Mariana fruit dove
Image credits
Rosenkopf-Fruchttaube (© Johannes Pfleiderer)