Fruit dove profile
Wallace's fruit dove
Ptilinopus wallacii
Welcome to the profile of the Wallace's fruit dove (Ptilinopus wallacii). The documented natural range includes southern Moluccas, Tanimbar- and Aru Islands, south-western New Guinea. With a body length of 24-28 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 no longer represented in the project stock; the last known European specimen has died…
Description
Welcome to the profile of the Wallace's fruit dove (Ptilinopus wallacii). The documented natural range includes southern Moluccas, Tanimbar- and Aru Islands, south-western New Guinea. With a body length of 24-28 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 no longer represented in the project stock; the last known European specimen has died. 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 Wallace's fruit dove
| English name | Wallace's fruit dove |
|---|---|
| German name | Weißkehl-Fruchttaube |
| Scientific name | Ptilinopus wallacii |
| Genus | Ptilinopus |
| Category | Ptilinopus - fruit doves |
| Distribution | southern Moluccas, Tanimbar- and Aru Islands, south-western New Guinea |
| Subspecies | none |
| Size / characteristics | 24-28 cm | The orange breast colour is more intense in the male than in the female. |
| Status | currently no longer represented in the project stock; the last known European specimen has died |
Habitat and natural range
tropical humid lowland forests, swamp forests and dense secondary habitats.
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
Has conspicuous white flanks and a broad black breast band; visually difficult to confuse with any other species.
Conservation status
| CITES | Not listed |
|---|---|
| EU species protection | Not listed |
Further sources
Images of the Wallace's fruit dove
Image credits
Weißkehl-Fruchttaube (© Valentin Castiñeira)