Turacoena manadensis
The White-faced Cuckoo-Dove (*Turacoena manadensis*) is a medium-sized, striking pigeon species, typically measuring 38-41 cm (15-16 inches) in length, characterized by its predominantly blackish plumage contrasted by a brilliant, sharply defined white face and pale grey crown. Its body feathers often exhibit a subtle, iridescent sheen in certain lights, adding to its understated elegance. Distinctive field marks include dark eyes ringed by bare red orbital skin, a dark bill, and reddish feet...
Primarily inhabits lowland evergreen rainforests, including primary and regenerating secondary growth, forest edges, and disturbed areas, typically found from sea level up to around 1000 meters elevation.
Primarily frugivorous, consuming a wide variety of fruits, especially figs, which it swallows whole. It forages by plucking fruits directly from tree branches in the forest canopy.
This cuckoo-dove is largely arboreal and often quite secretive, spending most of its time within the dense canopy, making it challenging to observe. It is typically encountered solitarily or in pairs, rather than large flocks. Foraging occurs mainly in the upper and mid-canopy, where it plucks fr...
The White-faced Cuckoo-Dove is endemic to Sulawesi and several surrounding satellite islands within Indonesia. Its primary distribution includes northern, central, and southeastern Sulawesi, extending to the Togian Islands off the east coast of Central Sulawesi. It is also found on the Sula Islan...
Near Threatened
- The White-faced Cuckoo-Dove is endemic to a handful of Indonesian islands, making it a special find for birders. - Its scientific name, *manadensis*, refers to Manado, a city in North Sulawesi, where the species was first described. - Despite its name, 'cuckoo-dove,' it is a true pigeon and not...