Spot-breasted Cuckoo-Dove
Macropygia mackinlayi
The Spot-breasted Cuckoo-Dove (Macropygia mackinlayi) is a rare doves and pigeon found in 3 countries, weighing about 86 g. The spot-breasted cuckoo-dove, also known as Mackinlay's cuckoo-dove, is a species of bird in the family Columbidae.
About the Spot-breasted Cuckoo-Dove
The spot-breasted cuckoo-dove, also known as Mackinlay's cuckoo-dove, is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is found in Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. It is rated as a species of least concern on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Endangered Species.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The spot-breasted cuckoo-dove is a small greyish brown or reddish brown cuckoo-dove; these two distinct color morphs are unique among pigeons. It measures 27 to 31 cm (11 to 12 in) in length, and weighs about 87 grams (3.1 oz). It has a relatively short beak. The breast feathers have black bases and are bifurcated, the lack of the feather tip exposing adjoining feather bases and giving the breast a spotted appearance. The juvenile is barred, and similar to the female spot-breasted cuckoo-dove or the juvenile Amboyna cuckoo-dove (Macropygia amboinensis).
Where it lives
When to see it
Best months: April, June, July, August, September, October, November, December, with peak activity in August. It is a variable species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Spot-breasted Cuckoo-Dove?
- The spot-breasted cuckoo-dove is a small greyish brown or reddish brown cuckoo-dove; these two distinct color morphs are unique among pigeons. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Spot-breasted Cuckoo-Dove?
- The Spot-breasted Cuckoo-Dove is a medium sized bird weighing about 86 g.
- Where can you see a Spot-breasted Cuckoo-Dove?
- The Spot-breasted Cuckoo-Dove occurs in 3 countries, including the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu.
- What birds look similar to a Spot-breasted Cuckoo-Dove?
- The Spot-breasted Cuckoo-Dove is most easily confused with the Ruddy Cuckoo-Dove, the Timor Cuckoo-Dove and the Tanimbar Cuckoo-Dove.
- Is the Spot-breasted Cuckoo-Dove endangered?
- The Spot-breasted Cuckoo-Dove is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Spot-breasted Cuckoo-Dove for real
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