Fruit dove profile
Superb fruit dove
Ptilinopus superbus
Welcome to the profile of the Superb fruit dove (Ptilinopus superbus). The documented natural range includes Sulawesi, southern Moluccas, Aru Islands, New Guinea, Bismarck Archipelago, Solomon Islands, north-eastern Australia. 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 secure; bred regularly. This page brings together distribution data, identification…
Description
Welcome to the profile of the Superb fruit dove (Ptilinopus superbus). The documented natural range includes Sulawesi, southern Moluccas, Aru Islands, New Guinea, Bismarck Archipelago, Solomon Islands, north-eastern Australia. 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 secure; bred regularly. 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 Superb fruit dove
| English name | Superb fruit dove |
|---|---|
| German name | Prachtfruchttaube |
| Scientific name | Ptilinopus superbus |
| Genus | Ptilinopus |
| Category | Ptilinopus - fruit doves |
| Distribution | Sulawesi, southern Moluccas, Aru Islands, New Guinea, Bismarck Archipelago, Solomon Islands, north-eastern Australia |
| Subspecies | 1. Ptilinopus s. superbus – Aru Islands, New Guinea, Bismarck Archipelago, Solomon Islands, north-eastern Australia | 2. Ptilinopus superbus temminckii – Sulawesi, southern Moluccas |
| Size / characteristics | 21-24 cm | For sexual dimorphism, see the images. | Husbandry: | Ring size: 6,0-6,5 |
| Status | stock secure; bred regularly |
Habitat and natural range
rainforests, monsoon forests, gallery forests, dense secondary forests and eucalyptus groves.
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 s. superbus – Aru Islands, New Guinea, Bismarck Archipelago, Solomon Islands, north-eastern Australia | 2. Ptilinopus superbus temminckii – Sulawesi, southern Moluccas
Special notes on the species
Shows the strongest colour contrast of all Ptilinopus species; males have a fiery orange belly and a purple head.
Conservation status
| IUCN | LC (Least Concern) |
|---|---|
| CITES | Not listed |
| EU species protection | Not listed |
Further sources
Images of the Superb fruit dove
Image credits
Prachtfruchttaube (© Thomas Breuer)