Fruit dove profile
Flame-breasted fruit dove
Ramphiculus marchei
Welcome to the profile of the Flame-breasted fruit dove (Ramphiculus marchei). The documented natural range includes Luzon (Philippines). With a body length of 40 cm, this species belongs to the small Asian fruit doves. Within the European Fruit Dove Project, the current status is recorded as: stock still being built up and very small. This page brings together distribution data, identification notes and practical husbandry experience, helping keepers and breeders…
Profile & short facts for Flame-breasted fruit dove
| English name | Flame-breasted fruit dove |
|---|---|
| German name | Blutschwingen-Fruchttaube |
| Scientific name | Ramphiculus marchei |
| Genus | Ramphiculus |
| Category | Ptilinopus - fruit doves |
| Distribution | Luzon (Philippines) |
| Subspecies | none |
| Size / characteristics | 40 cm | External sexing is difficult. females show more green in the plumage. |
| Status | stock still being built up and very small |
| Synonyms | Ptilinopus marchei |
Habitat and natural range
primary lowland rainforests as well as dense cloud and foothill forests.
Feeding in the European Fruit Dove Project
Frugivorous. Takes berries and small wild fruits in the canopy. In human care: finely chopped soft fruit mixed with a specialised fruit-dove soft food and berries.
Husbandry in the European Fruit Dove Project
Delicate fruit-dove species that appreciates dense, well-protected retreats in the aviary. Constant warmth in winter, at least around 18 °C in the shelter, helps prevent illness.
Breeding and offspring
Offer small nesting baskets or platforms in dense foliage. Pairs often harmonise best when they can form naturally from a group. Avoid unnecessary nest inspections.
Subspecies and systematics
none
Special notes on the species
Considered one of the rarest and least studied fruit doves of the Philippines; it inhabits inaccessible mountain regions.
Conservation status
| IUCN | LC (Least Concern) |
|---|---|
| CITES | Not listed |
| EU species protection | Not listed |
Further sources
Images of the Flame-breasted fruit dove
Image credits
Blutschwingen-Fruchttaube (©Thomas Breuer )