Cloven-feathered Dove
A species of Possibly Better Merged With Ptilinopus Scientific name : Drepanoptila holosericea Genus : Possibly Better Merged With Ptilinopus
Cloven-feathered Dove, A species of Possibly Better Merged With Ptilinopus
Botanical name: Drepanoptila holosericea
Genus: Possibly Better Merged With Ptilinopus
Content
Description General Info
Description
The cloven-feathered dove (Drepanoptila holosericea) is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is monotypic within the genus Drepanoptila, but this genus is possibly better merged into Ptilinopus. The cloven-feathered dove is endemic to New Caledonia where found in forest and Melaleuca savanna at altitudes up to 1,000 m (3,300 ft). It is considered near-threatened by the IUCN due to habitat degradation and hunting.
Size
28 - 32 cm
Feeding Habits
Cloven-feathered Dove primarily consumes fruits and berries, favoring those from figs and aralid trees. Their feeding behavior includes foraging for these food sources.
Habitat
The cloven-feathered Dove is typically found in native forests, with a preference for humid environments. It thrives in areas of dense vegetation, such as those dominated by Elaeocarpus angustifolius trees. The species shows adaptability by also occupying disturbed habitats, including open woodlands and niaouli savannas characterized by the presence of Melaleuca quinquenervia.
Dite type
Frugivorous
General Info
Distribution Area
Drepanoptila holosericea is endemic to the island of New Caledonia where it is commonly found in its forest habitat. It is also found south of New Caledonia all throughout Ile des Pins but not the Loyalty Islands. Research groups in 1998 have estimated that 140,000 total individual birds live throughout its total range.
Species Status
This bird is sparsely hunted because of ammunition quotas, making hunters save their ammunition for larger targets. If these quotas are removed, the dove may be hunted more and could rapidly decline in population, even though this bird is protected by law. Other threats include forest fires, deforestation, and mining operations.