Dwarf Fruit Dove
Ptilinopus nainus
The Dwarf Fruit Dove (Ptilinopus nainus) is a rare doves and pigeon found in 2 countries, weighing about 49 g. The dwarf fruit dove is a species of bird in the family Columbidae.
About the Dwarf Fruit Dove
The dwarf fruit dove is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is found in lowland and foothill forest in New Guinea and the Raja Ampat Islands. The dwarf fruit dove weighs 49 grams, about equivalent to the weight of two AA batteries. This bird is the shortest in length within the fruit dove genus, and perhaps the shortest columbid of all.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
With a total length of 13–15 centimetres (5.1–5.9 in), it is the shortest pigeon or dove in the world, but as it is relatively stocky, this species is more massive than several other small doves, weighing at 49 grams (1.7 oz). Its plumage is overall green, but with contrasting yellow undertail coverts, and narrow bars to the wings. The inner wing-coverts and secondaries are more bluish in color compared to the rest of the body. This bluish-green coloring is most prominent on the scapulars; the body feathers that cover the top of the wing when the bird is at rest. Voice: Dwarf fruit doves will communicate with each other using a high-pitched, slow, soft, and prolonged upslur. With a one-second pause, the sound is repeated about six times. Their call resembles a "oh-wah" sound.
Where it lives
When to see it
Best months: June, July, August, September, October, November, with peak activity in July. It is a variable species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Dwarf Fruit Dove?
- With a total length of 13–15 centimetres (5.1–5.9 in), it is the shortest pigeon or dove in the world, but as it is relatively stocky, this species is more massive than several other small doves, weighing at 49 grams (1.7 oz). Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Dwarf Fruit Dove?
- The Dwarf Fruit Dove is a small sized bird weighing about 49 g.
- Where can you see a Dwarf Fruit Dove?
- The Dwarf Fruit Dove occurs in 2 countries, including Papua New Guinea and Indonesia.
- What birds look similar to a Dwarf Fruit Dove?
- The Dwarf Fruit Dove is most easily confused with the Golden Dove, the Many-colored Fruit Dove and the Black-banded Fruit Dove.
- Is the Dwarf Fruit Dove endangered?
- The Dwarf Fruit Dove is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Dwarf Fruit Dove for real
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