Family Pigeons, Doves (Columbidae)
Vulnerable
Rarotonga Fruit-dove (Ptilinopus rarotongensis)
Taxonomy
French: Ptilope de Rarotonga German: Rarotongafruchttaube Spanish: Tilopo de Rarotonga
Other common names:
Cook (Island) Fruit-dove, Lilac-crowned Fruit-dove
Taxonomy:
Ptilinopus rarotongensis
Hartlaub and Finsch
, 1871,Rarotonga, Cook Islands
.
Subspecies and Distribution
P. r. rarotongensis
Hartlaub & Finsch, 1871 – Rarotonga (Cook Is).
P. r. goodwini
Holyoak, 1974 – Atiu (Cook Is).
Early historical records from Aitutaki and Mauke, and fossils from Mangaia#R.
Descriptive notes
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... read more
Voice
Two main vocalizations. A cooing phrase lasting c. 7–9 seconds, starting with drawn-out coos that... read more
Habitat
On Rarotonga found only in dense low hillside forest, mostly in the interior of the island; on Atiu... read more
Food and feeding
Primarily frugivorous; known food plants include banyans (Ficus, Moraceae), Elaeocarpus (Elaeocarpaceae) and Pipturus... read more
Breeding
Specimens in breeding condition collected in Jul and Sept.
Movements
No evidence of inter-island movements. Flight is direct, with quick wingbeats; has been seen to... read more
Status and conservation
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... read more
Belongs to the large species-group centred on P. purpuratus (which see), forming part of the subgroup centred on that same species. Two subspecies recognized.