That Bird Blog – Bird Care and History for Pet Birds

“Superb” indeed!  I was captivated by fruit doves early in my career.  The Bronx Zoo’s director at the time was a confirmed “bird man”, and consequently I was surrounded by an amazing collection.  But even among a dozen brilliantly-colored relatives, the Superb Fruit Dove, Ptilinopus supurbus, stood out.  Its intensely green, orange and purple plumage rivals that of any parrot…and while no dove will talk to you, neither will their quiet, pleasant calls jangle your nerves!

Natural History

Over 100 species of fruit doves and pigeons have been described, approximately 60 of which are classified within the Superb Fruit Dove’s genus.

Superb Fruit Doves are found from the Philippines south through Sulawesi and the Celebes to New Guinea and the eastern coast of Australia.  Their preferred habitats include rainforest edges and clearings, mangrove swamps and wooded riversides. Read More »