General Information

The Wompoo fruit-dove is the largest of thefruit doves native to New Guinea and Australia.

Physical Description

The fruit-doves measure up to 18 in length but are larger in southern regions. It has purple plumage around its neck, chest and upper belly. Its lower belly is yellow with green under-parts. The sexes look similar and the young have a duller and greener plumage compared to adults. Although their plumage is bright, they are hard to see amongst the forest canopy.

Diet

The birds feed off of fruit-bearing trees in rainforests such as figs. They can eat large fruits whole and are able to collect the fruit off of trees and vines in an acrobatic behavior. They do not like to travel long distances and prefer to stay in their local area and make use of whatever fruits are in season.

Habitat

In Australia, the fruit-dove inhabits mainly the lowland tropical rainforests along the eastern coast, from central New South Wales to the tip of the Cape York Peninsula. The amount of birds increases in abundance the more north they live. 

Reproduction

Breeding times vary according to weather conditions. The nest is sturdily constructed from forked twigs low to the ground. Both genders help in the construction of the nest. One white egg is laid and the parents share in incubation duties and care of the young. If for some reason the chick dies, the doves will attempt to have a second offspring in the same season.