Jambu Fruit Dove



Scientific name: Ptilinopus jambu
Family: Clumbidae
Order: Columbiformes
Class: Aves
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Weighing well over 45 grams, the Jambu Fruit Dove is close to the size of a Barbary Dove, which is about the size of a soda can. The Jambu is closely allied with the subgenera of the Leucotreron and the Rhamphiculus, and has a small head with a bare cere, short neck and soft dense plumage. The eyes are at the sides of the head close to the short beak. It has a slightly plump body nine inches long, skinny legs and a wingspan of approximately 90 - 150mm. The male has a very distinct color pattern as compared to the female. The median line on the throat of the male is a blackish brown. The forehead and face are a bright pink, and the top of the head is usually a little paler. The bill is either yellow or orange and the eyes are brown or reddish. The lower side of the wing, is very dark gray. The under part of the belly is yellowish-cream color. The under side of the tail is chestnut, and the top of the tail is a rich forest green. The outer tail feathers are a dark green at the base, fading to a lighter shade of green towards the outer webs. The inner webs are a pale gray. The feet are dark red. The colors of the female are much duller than the male and predominantly darkish green, with a chestnut throat. She has a purplish head and a cream belly, with a pale chestnut tail. Young males looks very much like females, but soon molt into full adult male plumage.
DISTRIBUTION and HABITAT:
The Jambu is found in the following areas of South East Asia: the Malay Peninsula, Rhio Archipelago, Sumatra, Banka, Billiton, and Borneo. The Fruit Doves habitats include forests, woodland areas, mangrove swamps and small inlets.
BEHAVIOR:
Most doves and pigeons, including the Jambu, form breeding territories in which they advertise with sounds or movements. Threat displays include sleeking the plumage, raising the wings, cooing, and pushing the head forward. If this doesnt work, quick sharp pecks are given to the intruder. Generally shy and inconspicuous, the Jambu is usually seen singly or in pairs.
DIET:
Fruit Doves have been seen eating fruit knocked down by monkeys and hornbills. They have also been known to eat berries. The Jambu Dove drinks by immersing its beak up to the nostrils in water and sucking continuously without raising the head.
BREEDING and NESTING:
The female is attracted to the male by his distinct bright markings. After a pair form, a fragile nest is woven of twigs and is built on a branch of a tree. A clutch is almost always one or two eggs and incubation period lasts about 2-3 weeks. During this time the nest is under constant watch with the male taking the day shift and the female taking the night shift. Both parents care for the hatchling until 8-12 weeks. When the young is first born, it is initially fed pigeons milk, a nutritious liquid generated by the adults. On the tenth day, the eyes open and the wings are fully functional. At this age the young leaves the nest, but stays close to the parents. At 8-12 weeks, the young Jambu is weaned and at 9 months, it takes on the full adult appearance.

Wild Population:

The Jambu Fruit Dove is not listed as an endangered species. It is presently being threatened by loss of rain forest habitat. The major populations are found in Borneo and Sumatra.

Suggested Reading:
Goodwin, Derek. Pigeons and Doves of the World. Cornell University: Comstock Publishing Associates, 1977.
MacKinnon & Phillips. 1993. Birds of Borneo, Sumantra, Java, and Bali. Oxford University Press, p.162

Asian Rainforest: Jambu Fruit Dove. www.oaklandzoo.org/atoz/azjfdove.html

Jambu Fruit Dove http://www.lpzoo.com/tour/factsheets...ambu_dove.html

Jambu Fruit Dove

BW

lovely bird

be still my heart - i think i'm in love big time.