Ptilinopus huttoni
The Rapa Fruit Dove, *Ptilinopus huttoni*, is a critically endangered and strikingly beautiful member of the Columbidae family, found exclusively on the remote Rapa Island in French Polynesia. Measuring approximately 20-22 cm (8-9 inches) in length, this medium-sized fruit dove exhibits a compact, robust build. Its plumage is a vibrant emerald green across the back, wings, and upper tail, sharply contrasting with a brilliant yellow belly and undertail coverts. A key identification feature is ...
Dense native forest and secondary growth, primarily found in moist valleys and on slopes, ranging from near sea level up to the highest elevations of Rapa Island's peaks (approximately 650m).
Primarily frugivorous, feeding almost exclusively on a diverse array of native and introduced fruits, berries, and occasionally small flower buds.
The Rapa Fruit Dove is an arboreal and diurnal species, spending its active hours foraging high within the forest canopy and retreating to dense foliage for nocturnal roosting. Its foraging technique involves agile movements through branches, expertly plucking ripe fruits and berries directly fro...
The Rapa Fruit Dove is strictly endemic to Rapa Island (Rapa Iti), which is the largest landmass within the remote Bass Islands group, part of French Polynesia's Austral Islands archipelago. Its entire global distribution is confined to this single, volcanic island, encompassing an area of approx...
Critically Endangered
- The Rapa Fruit Dove is found on only one tiny, isolated island in the world: Rapa Island (also known as Rapa Iti) in French Polynesia. - Its purplish-pink forehead patch is a distinctive and variable feature, with slight differences in size and vibrancy between individuals. - Despite its vivid ...