Ducula rufigaster

(Quoy & Gaimard, 1830)

Vernacular names
English : Purple-tailed imperial-pigeon
French : Carpophage à ventre roux

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Columbiformes
Family : Columbidae
Notes : 2 subspecies known

Identification
Adults can reach 39 cm for a weight of 582 g. Head and neck pinkish-rufous turning bright orange-chesnut on breast and belly. Lilac nape, purple-violet tail. Subspecies identification based on tinge of green wings and belly coloration.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in most of New Guinea except central mountain range, on west-Papuan islands and on Yapen Island. Lives in lowland forests and forest edges, up to 1200 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species’ secretive habits make it difficult to assess in the wild. It seems to be globally uncommon and possibly threatened by deforestation.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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