Scarlet-breasted Fruit-Dove
Ptilinopus bernsteinii
A large, long-tailed green fruit-dove with a yellow-orange lower belly, a pale gray head, and a conspicuous red breast patch in males that is lacking in females. Usually encountered singly or in pairs within the canopy and understory of forest and wooded areas in both lowlands and hills, typically being more abundant in the foothills. Longer-tailed than other local fruit-doves; scarlet breast patch easily identifies males, and both sexes can be identified by their vibrant yellow-orange belly. Call is a staccato two-noted “koo-wooh.”
Identification
The scarlet-breasted fruit dove is a small or medium-sized bird, measuring 29 centimetres (11 in) in length. It has a grey head which has a green wash. The rest of the upperparts and breast are bright green in colour. The male is patched with bright scarlet, at the middle of the lower breast. It has an orange-yellow belly, and chestnut undertail coverts. The underwing coverts are also orange-yellow.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Ptilinopus bernsteinii
- Authority
- Schlegel, 1863
- Order
- Columbiformes
- Family
- Columbidae
- Genus
- Ptilinopus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
It is presumably a frugivorous species. It is normally quiet, and has been described to emit deep, soft oohoo calls. It also emits odd growling calls. It usually quietly forages alone or in pairs, in forest canopies.
Conservation
Since 1988, the scarlet-breasted fruit dove has been rated as a species of least concern on the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species. This is because although it has a restricted range, the range size is more than 20,000 km2 (7,700 mi2) with a stable population trend. In addition, although its population numbers have not been determined, it is thought to be above 10,000, which does not meet the criterion to warrant a vulnerable rating. The species is described as "uncommon to moderately common", and there is no evidence of major threat to their population.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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Brown-and-white terrestrial babbler that scuttles around in the leaf litter like a rodent. Note lightly speckled black crown, white face and underparts, and rusty-orange stain on the forehead. Favors wetter forests, ranging from lowlands up into submontane areas. Gives short haunting whistles, either singly or in series.
Papuan Eclectus
Eclectus polychloros
Robust, big-headed, and rather short-tailed parrot endemic to Papua and Cape York (Australia) and introduced to Solomon Islands, where it inhabits lowland and foothill forests. Male bright green with red underwings and orange bill, female bright red with violet belly and dark bill. Usually seen flying above forests at first light, squawking loudly. Calls include an ear-shattering, high-pitched squawk, as well as a lower, rasping caw. Formerly grouped with other closely related species under “Eclectus Parrot.”
Gray Nightjar
Caprimulgus jotaka
Cryptic nightbird. Note silvery gray and brown coloration; intricate patterning more distinct than that of shorter-winged Savanna Nightjar. Roosts on the ground and in trees. Breeds in open areas within dense forests, as well as mountain ridges. Winters in similar habitat, but can also be found in more open areas such as forest edge and scrubland. Song is a long series of hollow “byuck” notes, like the firing of a cartoon laser gun.
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