Ptilinopus richardsii
The Silver-capped Fruit Dove, *Ptilinopus richardsii*, is a small, brilliantly colored member of the Columbidae family, typically measuring around 19-21 cm (7.5-8.3 inches) in length and weighing approximately 70-90 grams (2.5-3.2 oz). It earns its name from the distinctive silver-grey cap or crown that contrasts sharply with its otherwise vibrant plumage. Males boast iridescent emerald-green body feathers, often with a subtle bluish sheen, and vivid yellow underparts, particularly on the ven...
Inhabits lowland and hill primary rainforests, particularly favoring dense canopy cover and areas rich in fruiting trees, typically found from sea level up to around 700 meters (2,300 feet) elevation.
Strictly frugivorous, consuming small fruits, berries, and drupes, which it plucks directly from tree branches in the forest canopy.
Primarily diurnal and arboreal, the Silver-capped Fruit Dove spends much of its day foraging high in the forest canopy, often remaining concealed by dense foliage. It feeds almost exclusively on fruit, adroitly plucking berries and small drupes directly from branches, sometimes hanging upside dow...
The Silver-capped Fruit Dove is endemic to the Solomon Islands archipelago, with its primary distribution centered in the eastern Solomon Islands. Its range encompasses several islands, including Makira (historically known as San Cristobal), Malaita, Ulawa, Ugi, and Santa Ana. Additionally, it is...
Least Concern
- The 'silver cap' of this dove is actually a pale, almost white-grey, providing a stark contrast to its vibrant green body. - Unlike many ground-dwelling doves, the Silver-capped Fruit Dove is almost entirely arboreal, rarely descending to the forest floor. - Its diet of small fruits makes it a ...