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Black-naped Fruit Dove

Ptilinopus melanospilus

Quick Facts

Scientific name: Ptilinopus melanospilus
Class: Bird
Weight: 90 to 120 grams
Life span: 8 to 15 years
Conservation status: Least concern
Number of offspring: 1 egg at a time

About

I LIVE IN ASIA

The black-naped fruit dove is native to rainforests and open forests in southeast Asia. They are typically found on islands such as the Philippines and parts of Indonesia.


I AM AN HERBIVORE

The black-naped fruit dove, as the ‘fruit dove’ name suggests, feeds on a variety of fruits and berries. However, this bird species also eats tender shoots, soft plant tissue like new or underdeveloped leaves, and seeds.


BLACK-NAPED FRUIT DOVES ARE SOCIAL

Black-naped fruit doves are a somewhat social bird and will generally roost or nest on their own or in pairs. This bird species will often gather in a large flock when feeding.


DYNAMIC DOVES

The black naped fruit dove is a sexually dimorphic bird, meaning males and females of this species have different coloration. A female black-naped fruit dove, despite the name, it entirely green. However, the male black-naped fruit dove has a green body and a white head, colorful plumage on its tail, with a black spot on the back of its neck.


HELPING THE BLACK-NAPED FRUIT DOVE IN THE WILD

The black-naped fruit doves at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo are enrolled in the Species Survival Plan (SSP). SSP is a program implemented by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to help ensure a genetically viable population exists.


I AM IMPORTANT TO MY ECOSYSTEM

As an animal that consumes a large amount of fruit, berries, and seeds, the black-naped fruit dove plays an important role in dispersing seeds throughout their habitat, something that aids in sustaining a healthy and biodiverse environment.


 

Conservation

Learn more about our efforts, our conservation partners around the world, and the simple steps you can take to contribute.

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