Ramphiculus merrilli
The Cream-breasted Fruit Dove (*Ramphiculus merrilli*) is a strikingly beautiful and elusive member of the family Columbidae, endemic to the Philippines. Measuring approximately 28 cm (11 inches) in length, the male is characterized by its iridescent green upperparts, a distinctive bluish-grey cap, and a brilliant creamy-yellow breast that gives the species its common name. The underparts often feature a contrasting purplish-crimson or chestnut patch, with a white-tipped tail. Females are gen...
This species primarily inhabits primary and mature secondary lowland and montane forests, typically found at elevations ranging from sea level up to 1,500 meters.
The Cream-breasted Fruit Dove is almost exclusively frugivorous, feeding on a variety of ripe fruits, particularly figs, plucked directly from trees in the forest canopy.
Cream-breasted Fruit Doves are predominantly arboreal and diurnal, spending most of their time high in the forest canopy, often hidden by dense foliage. They are specialized frugivores, employing agile movements among branches to pluck ripe fruits, sometimes hanging upside down. Generally observe...
The Cream-breasted Fruit Dove is endemic to the Philippine archipelago, with its distribution fragmented across several major and minor islands. It is found on Luzon and its associated islands (Polillo, Catanduanes, Marinduque), Mindoro, Negros, Panay, Palawan, Basilan, Mindanao, Leyte, and Samar...
Near Threatened
- The Cream-breasted Fruit Dove is strictly endemic to the Philippines, found nowhere else in the world. - Males possess exceptionally vibrant and iridescent plumage, making them one of the most stunning fruit doves. - Their diet is highly specialized, relying almost entirely on fruits, especiall...