The Golden Fruit Dove (Ptilinopus luteovirens), also known as the Lemon Dove or Yellow Dove, is a small, approximately 20 cm (8 in) long, short-tailed fruit-dove in the family Columbidae. The common name refers to the males’ bright golden-yellow colour.
The Golden Fruit Dove is closely related to the allopatric (separate ranges) Whistling Fruit Dove and Orange Fruit Dove.
Description
The body feathers appear almost iridescent due to their elongated shape and hair-like texture. The head is slightly duller with a greenish tinge. The bill, orbital skin and legs are bluish-green and the iris is whitish. The underwings and tail coverts are yellow. The female is a dark green bird with bare parts resembling those of the male. The young resembles female.
Distribution / Range
The Golden Fruit Dove is distributed and endemic to forests of Viti Levu, Ovalau, Gau, Beqa and Waya group islands of Fiji.
A common species throughout its limited range, the Golden Fruit Dove is evaluated as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Diet / Feeding
The diet consists mainly of various small fruits, berries and insects.
Breeding / Nesting
The female usually lays a single white egg.
Further Dove Information
- Dove Information
- Index of Dove Species
- Photos of the Different Dove Species for Identification
- Doves & Pigeons as Pets
