Distribution Map
Superb Fruit-Dove
Ptilinopus superbus
NativeStatus
UncommonRarity
Bird Gallery
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Species Description
The Superb Fruit-Dove is a vibrant and compact bird native to the rainforests of northeastern Australia, stretching from Cape York Peninsula to northern New South Wales. This frugivorous species is a vital part of the rainforest ecosystem, contributing significantly to seed dispersal. It is often found in the canopy of tropical and subtropical rainforests but can be elusive due to its excellent camouflage among foliage.
Fun Facts
Despite their bright plumage, they blend seamlessly into rainforest canopies due to dappled light patterns.
1. Males feature a vibrant purple crown and bold blue-black breast band.
2. Females are mostly green, with subtle blue markings on the crown.
3. Juveniles resemble females but lack the distinctive crown patch.
Superb Fruit-Doves feed almost exclusively on rainforest fruits such as figs, laurels, and other small fruits that fit their large gape. During the breeding season (September to January), they construct simple twig nests high in trees or shrubs, where females lay a single white egg. Both parents share incubation dutiesmales during the day and females at night. Their feeding behaviour includes acrobatic movements like hanging upside-down to access fruit at branch tips.
Superb Fruit-Doves inhabit rainforests, dense vine forests, and mangroves along Australia's eastern coast, from Cape York south to Moruya in New South Wales. They occasionally appear farther south as vagrants in Victoria and Tasmania. These birds are most active during dawn and dusk, often feeding in fruiting trees in the canopy. Their rhythmic cooing calls make them easier to locate than their plumage suggests.
Physical Attributes
Height
23 cm
Size Relative to Other Birds51%
Top Locations
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