Sultan's Cuckoo-Dove
NameSultan's Cuckoo-Dove
Common NameSultan's Cuckoo-Dove
Scientific NameMacropygia nigrirostris
FamilyColumbidae
Wingspan (cm)34
Length (cm)32.5
Weight (g)125
Plumage DetailsMales have a rufous-brown head and underparts, with darker rufous-chestnut upperparts and wings. The nape and hindneck display iridescent green and purple scaling. Females are similar but generally duller, with less prominent iridescence and fine barring on the underparts. Both sexes possess a dark, slender bill.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations typically consist of a series of soft, mournful cooing notes, often described as a repeated 'coo-woo... coo-woo'.
Primary Dietfrugivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeThis species is endemic to the island of New Guinea and some adjacent smaller islands, primarily inhabiting the central mountain ranges.
Identifying Featureslong graduated rufous-brown tail, slender body, iridescent green/purple nape, dark slender bill, rufous-brown overall plumage
Description
The Sultan's Cuckoo-Dove is a medium-sized, slender dove characterized by its exceptionally long, graduated tail and predominantly rufous-brown plumage. It is an arboreal species, typically found in the understory and mid-story of montane forests, where it forages for fruits.
