“0A2A4256 Jambu Fruit-Dove” (cropped) by JJ Harrison is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

In terms of appearance, the Jambu fruit dove (Ptilinopus jambu) is the most unique species among the dove family. It predominantly inhabits Southeast Asia and is often difficult to spot due to its green feathers that blend with the foliage. However, its soft cooing helps reveal its presence. This dove has its nostrils positioned high on the upper bill. It measures approximately 23-27 cm (9.1-10.6 in) in length and weighs around 42 g (1.5 oz). It has a plump body, a small head, and soft feathers. This bird displays distinct coloring, including a white eye ring, an orange bill, and red legs, which are present in both male and female individuals. In adult males, the face is crimson with a black chin. They have dark green upperparts without markings and ivory-white underparts. Additionally, they sport a pink patch on the breast and a chocolate brown undertail.

“File:Ptilinopus jambu -Philadelphia Zoo, Pennsylvania, USA-8a.jpg” by Jim Capaldi from Springfield, USA is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Adult females have a dull purple face with a dark chin. Their underparts are dull green, with a white belly and cinnamon or buff undertail.

The immature Jambu fruit dove resembles the adult female but has a green face. It takes about 39 weeks from fledging for the young male to acquire its full adult plumage. Immature males appear similar to females. The vocalization of this species is characterized by a soft, low coo.

“File:Ptilinopus jambu -captive -male-8a.jpg” (cropped) by Don Kasak is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

The Jambu fruit dove (Ptilinopus jambu) is a small, colorful fruit dove found in southern Thailand, Malaysia, Brunei, and the Indonesian islands of Kalimantan, Sumatra, and Java.

“File:Jambu Fruit Dove (2).jpg” by RedGazelle123 is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

The Jambu fruit dove is predominantly found in mangrove swamps, lowland rainforests, and second-growth woodlands. It spends most of its time roosting, nesting, and feeding. While it is usually solitary or found in pairs, large flocks gather to feed on fruit trees. The dove has the unique ability to put its whole bill into the water and suck water up, unlike other birds that can only dip a part of their bill. Its diet primarily consists of fruit from trees or fallen fruit on the ground.

“File:Jambu Fruit-dove (Ptilinopus jambu) at Louisville Zoo.jpg” by Trisha Shears is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

It is a diurnal bird and a herbivore, specifically a frugivore. It is a resident breeding species and exhibits altricial behavior. The Jambu fruit dove is terrestrial in nature and engages in monogamous mating. It is a social bird and does not migrate.

“JAMBU FRUIT DOVE” (cropped) by cuatrok77 is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Breeding-wise, Jambu fruit doves are monogamous and have a defined breeding season from November to February and July. They establish breeding territories, with males using wing raising, cooing, and territorial defense to attract mates. The nests, constructed by the female with materials provided by the male, are flimsy-looking structures made of sticks, roots, and grᴀsses interwoven into tree branches. The female usually lays one egg, occasionally two, and both parents participate in the 2-3 week incubation period. The hatchlings are cared for by both parents and are fed on nutritious dove’s milk produced in the adults’ crops. The chick becomes independent at around 8-10 weeks of age.

“JAMBU FRUIT DOVE” by cuatrok77 is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

The population of Jambu fruit doves is decreasing due to habitat degradation and loss, as well as hunting pressure. While the exact population size is unknown, the species is classified as Near Threatened (NT) according to the IUCN Red List.

“File:Ptilinopus jambu -Lincoln Childrens Zoo, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA-8a.jpg” by Katrina J Wiese from Lincoln, NE, United States is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.