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 |
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Ecology
- Habitat
- Forests, semi-wooded areas including mangrove swamps and small islets.
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- 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.
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