Phylum Chordata Rank Species | Higher classification Macropygia Order Columbiformes | |
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Similar Macropygia, Brown cuckoo‑dove, Mackinlay's cuckoo‑dove, Ruddy cuckoo‑dove, Andaman cuckoo‑dove | ||
The Amboyna cuckoo-dove (Macropygia amboinensis) is a dove in the genus Macropygia found in the Moluccas and New Guinea. It was one of three new species defined when the slender-billed cuckoo-dove was split up in 2016 and retains the Latin binomial of the former species.[1]
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Description
They are typically about 35–37 centimetres (14–15 in) long. The males tend to have a slight rose/green colouration on their nape and neck. In Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, many subspecies have whitish underparts, fine dark barring below and/or a whitish cap.
The call of this dove is a very loud "whoop-a whoop" with some differences depending on the subspecies involved.
The Amboyna cuckoo-dove inhabits rainforest, woodland, scrubland and rainforest regrowth areas.
The doves can often be seen in pairs or groups. Its diet consists of berries from both native plants and introduced weed species. They can be nomadic, depending on the supplies of food. They tend to fly short distances and low to the ground with great strength.
Breeding occurs in spring and summer. The nest is a flat platform of sticks and vines, either in a fork of a tree or on top of a low tree. One, creamy white, egg is laid.
Subspecies
Nine subspecies are recognized: