Palau fruit dove explained

The Palau fruit dove (Ptilinopus pelewensis) is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is endemic to Palau and it is also Palau's national bird.^[1]

Description

The Palau fruit dove is 23to(-) long and weighs around 93g. The species has a grey head, neck and breast with a purple cap and yellow line. There is an orange band across the lower breast and belly and olive-green back, wings and tail. Both sexes are alike. Juvenile birds resemble the adults but lack the purple cap, the green upperparts are lined with yellow and the belly is yellow.^[2]

Distribution and habitat

The Palau fruit dove is endemic to Palau, where it is common in all habitats across the island.^[2] The species declined due to hunting prior to 1945, but has rebounded with protection and is now common.^[3]

Notes and References

1. Book: Minahan. James. The Complete Guide to National Symbols and Emblems [2 Volumes] ]. 2009 . ABC-CLIO . Santa Barbara . 9780313344978 . 146 .
2. Web site: Baptista. L.. Trail. P.. Horblit. H.. Boesman. P.. del Hoyo . Josep . Elliott . Andrew . Sargatal . Jordi . Christie . David A. . de Juana . Eduardo . 2017 . Palau Fruit-dove (Ptilinopus pelewensis). Handbook of the Birds of the World Alive . Lynx Edicions . Barcelona, Spain . 12 July 2017 . subscription .
3. Pratt. H. Douglas. Engbring. John. Bruner. Phillip L.. Berrett. Delwyn G.. Notes on the Taxonomy, Natural History, and Status of the Resident Birds of Palau. The Condor. May 1980. 82. 2. 117. 10.2307/1367460. 1367460.