Cook Islands Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus rarotongensis Scientific name definitions

20–24 cm. Crown bright magenta; rest of head , neck and breast pale grey with less green than in the similar P.porphyraceus; back  , wings and tail green with broad silvery terminal band; belly patch olive-yellow with pinkish purple central area shading to creamy yellow on ventral areas and undertail-coverts . Sexes alike. Juvenile crown and belly patches reduced or lacking, underparts and tail band greener. Race goodwini differs in having only a few orange-tipped feathers instead of purplish area in centre of belly patch.

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Editor's Note: Additional distribution information for this taxon can be found in the 'Subspecies' article above. In the future we will develop a range-wide distribution article.

On Rarotonga found only in dense low hillside forest, mostly in the interior of the island; on Atiu occurs in a wider variety of wooded habitats including the fringes of plantations, as well as the interior makatea (reef limestone) regions; generally avoids heavily settled areas. Found at all altitudes on the islands.

No evidence of inter-island movements. Flight is direct, with quick wingbeats; has been seen to soar and glide clumsily in strong winds.

Primarily frugivorous ; known food plants include banyans (Ficus, Moraceae), Elaeocarpus (Elaeocarpaceae) and Pipturus (Urticaceae); also reported to peck small insects from foliage. Typically feeds in trees and bushes.

Two main vocalizations. A cooing phrase lasting c. 7–9 seconds, starting with drawn-out coos that gradually get shorter but are delivered at an increasing pace, with a total number of c. 14–16 notes. Second vocalisation is a short phrase of two coos (the second slightly bisyllabic), repeated continuously without pause “cooo...cuwhoo...cooo...cuwhoo...”. A soft low-pitched “crrroo..crrroo...” has also been described (1 Gibbs, D., E. Barnes, and J. Cox (2001). Pigeons and Doves: A Guide to the Pigeons and Doves of the World. Pica Press, Robertsbridge, UK. Close ).

Specimens in breeding condition collected in Jul and Sept.

VULNERABLE. Previously considered Near Threatened. Remains common in rugged makatea limestone forests on Atiu, but this habitat totals less than 1000 ha. The nominate race on Rarotonga was formerly estimated to number fewer than 100 individuals and the total population was estimated at 350-1,500 individuals in 1987. However, subsequent observations suggest that the population on Rarotonga probably exceeds 500 individuals, with perhaps twice that present on Atiu. Species requires attention: research and surveys needed in order to verify immediate conservation requirements; tiny extent of range in which species known to have healthy populations indicates that species can hardly be considered secure, as this population could be wiped out overnight by disease, disaster, introduced predators, etc.