Fruit dove profile
Yellow-breasted fruit dove
Ramphiculus occipitalis
Welcome to the profile of the Yellow-breasted fruit dove (Ramphiculus occipitalis). The documented natural range includes Philippines excluding Palawan. With a body length of 28-33 cm, this species belongs to the small Asian fruit doves. Within the European Fruit Dove Project, the current status is recorded as: small stock, currently growing due to good breeding results. This page brings together distribution data, identification notes and practical husbandry experience, helping keepers…
Profile & short facts for Yellow-breasted fruit dove
| English name | Yellow-breasted fruit dove |
|---|---|
| German name | Gelbbrust-Fruchttaube |
| Scientific name | Ramphiculus occipitalis |
| Genus | Ramphiculus |
| Category | Ptilinopus - fruit doves |
| Distribution | Philippines excluding Palawan |
| Subspecies | 1. Ramphiculus occipitalis occipitalis – northern and central Philippines from Luzon to the Visayas | 2. Ramphiculus occipitalis incognitus – southern Philippines (Mindanao and Basilan) |
| Size / characteristics | 28-33 cm | no reliable external sexing characters for male/female birds | Husbandry: | Ring size: 8,0 |
| Status | small stock, currently growing due to good breeding results |
| Synonyms | Ptilinopus occipitalis |
Habitat and natural range
tropical lowland rainforests, hill forests and dense secondary habitats.
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
- Ramphiculus occipitalis occipitalis – northern and central Philippines from Luzon to the Visayas | 2. Ramphiculus occipitalis incognitus – southern Philippines (Mindanao and Basilan)
Special notes on the species
Has a bright yellow breast and an intense purple nape; extremely distinctive in appearance.
Conservation status
| IUCN | LC (Least Concern) |
|---|---|
| CITES | Not listed |
| EU species protection | Not listed |
Further sources
Images of the Yellow-breasted fruit dove
Image credits
- Gelbbrust-Fruchttaube im Kölner Zoo (© Thomas Breuer)
- Gelbbrust-Fruchttaube im Kölner Zoo (© Johannes Pfleiderer)