Fruit dove profile
Bruce's green pigeon
Treron waalia
Welcome to the profile of the Bruce's green pigeon (Treron waalia). The documented natural range includes Senegal to Somalia and Kenia, southern Aratoche Halbinsel. With a body length of 28-30 cm, this species belongs to the green pigeons. Within the European Fruit Dove Project, the current status is recorded as: stock currently stable within the project. This page brings together distribution data, identification notes and practical husbandry experience, helping keepers…
Profile & short facts for Bruce's green pigeon
| English name | Bruce's green pigeon |
|---|---|
| German name | Waalia-Taube |
| Scientific name | Treron waalia |
| Genus | Treron |
| Category | Treron - green pigeons |
| Distribution | Senegal to Somalia and Kenia, southern Aratoche Halbinsel |
| Subspecies | none |
| Size / characteristics | 28-30 cm | External sexing is difficult. Females are slightly smaller and duller in colour. |
| Status | stock currently stable within the project |
Habitat and natural range
Dry savannas, dense gallery forest, open woodland and oasis-like habitats.
Feeding in the European Fruit Dove Project
Frugivorous. Feeds mainly on fleshy fruits such as wild figs; unlike true fruit doves, green pigeons may also process small seeds in the digestive tract. In human care: fruit-dove diet, soft-fruit mix and small amounts of easily digestible seeds.
Husbandry in the European Fruit Dove Project
Very agile green pigeon. Appreciates climbing opportunities among branches. A well-insulated or lightly heated shelter for the European winter is strongly recommended to prevent frost damage to the legs and feet.
Breeding and offspring
The clutch usually consists of 1–2 eggs. Nests are often rather loose platforms in dense thorny vegetation. Visual screening along aviary sides can significantly improve breeding success.
Subspecies and systematics
none
Special notes on the species
The only green pigeon that feeds almost exclusively on the fruits of wild fig trees (Ficus); travels long distances in search of ripe trees.
Conservation status
| IUCN | LC (Least Concern) |
|---|---|
| CITES | Not listed |
| EU species protection | Not listed |
Further sources
Images of the Bruce's green pigeon
Image credits
- Waalia-Taube (© Angelika Zastrow)
- Waalia-Taube (© Simon Bruslund)
- Waalia-Taube (© Johannes Pfleiderer)