JAMBU FRUIT DOVE Ptilinopus jambu Bird Order Columbiformes Description 23 cm long. Beaks are small, yellow or orange and short. Male has crimson-pink face, forehead and forecrown. Upper throat and chin blackish. Upper parts green; under parts white with a pink breast patch; chestnut colored under tail. Female duller predominantly green with dull purple head, whitish belly and chestnut under tail. Newly fledged chick has green upper parts with white lower parts. Juveniles resemble females, but assume male plumage by 3 to 4 mo. Range Indonesia and Malay Peninsula. Photo © Greg Neise

Ecology Habitat Forests, semi-wooded areas including mangrove swamps and small islets.   Niche Herbivorous: feeds on the ground eating fruits knocked down by hornbills and monkeys. This species also eats berries and fruits from the branches. Partly migratory. Life History One egg is incubated by both sexes 18-19 days. Both parents care for hatchling 8-12 wks. Early development of Jambu fruit Dove is concentrated on feather growth and coordination rather than attaining large size. By the time the squab is 10-11 days old, its eyes open and its wings are fully functional. At this vulnerable age it leaves the nest, but stays close to parents. 8-12 wks. young jambu is fully weaned. 9 months fully adult appearance. Special Adaptations Small bill is ideal for eating fruits and for immersing it up to the nostrils and suck water without raising their heads. Green coloration enables birds to hide in foliage.