Ptilinopus chalcurus
The Makatea Fruit Dove, *Ptilinopus chalcurus*, is a truly spectacular, diminutive member of the pigeon and dove family Columbidae, endemic to the remote island of Makatea in French Polynesia. Measuring approximately 19-20 cm (7.5-7.9 inches) in length, this vibrant species exhibits the characteristic brilliant plumage of its genus. Males are particularly striking, adorned with an iridescent green body, a distinctive white crown, a pinkish-purple patch on the upper breast, and bright yellow u...
This fruit dove exclusively inhabits the lush tropical moist forests and secondary growth, including abandoned phosphate mine areas with regenerating vegetation, found on Makatea Island. It typically forages and roosts in the canopy and sub-canopy layers from sea level up to the island's highest ...
This species is primarily frugivorous, feeding almost exclusively on a diverse array of small fruits, berries, and drupes collected directly from trees and shrubs in the forest canopy. Its diet likely includes figs (*Ficus* spp.) and various native and introduced plant species found on Makatea.
The Makatea Fruit Dove is primarily diurnal, spending its days silently navigating the forest canopy in search of ripening fruits. It typically forages alone or in pairs, occasionally joining small, loose aggregations at abundant fruit sources, where they may interact minimally. Its foraging stra...
The Makatea Fruit Dove is a strictly resident and endemic species, found solely on Makatea Island, which is part of the Tuamotu Archipelago in French Polynesia. Its entire global distribution is confined to this single, relatively small uplifted coral atoll in the South Pacific Ocean. Within Maka...
Near Threatened
- The Makatea Fruit Dove is entirely endemic to the remote uplifted coral atoll of Makatea, making it one of the world's most geographically restricted bird species. - Its scientific name, *Ptilinopus chalcurus*, derives from Greek, meaning "soft-footed, bronze-tailed," though its tail is more gr...