Many of us have the belief that doves only come in two colors: pure white or grey. This is because those are the only types of doves that we have ever seen. However, there are many other beautiful species of doves that exist, such as the dazzling golden fruit dove. This unique bird is truly a sight to behold, and as its name suggests, it is a golden fruit amongst the many other doves.
The golden fruit dove is native to the islands of Beqa, Gau, Ovalau, Viti Levu, and Waya in Western Fiji. This striking species is also referred to as the yellow dove or lemon dove. The male golden fruit dove is known for its long, thin feathers around the breast area, which could resemble human hair from a distance, according to Australian Geographic. The male is the most colorful member of this species, with its amazing, golden plumage that emits a striking, glowing sheen. However, the color of its head is paler with a green tinge, which makes the rest of its body appear to sparkle even more. It also has bluish-green exposed skin around its eyes and on its legs.
The golden fruit dove’s quills are so long and slim around the chest and wings that they give the appearance of a golden mane, making it look proud and cushy. It is a fascinating creature that makes you want to pet it.
Female golden fruit doves are easily distinguishable from males as they have dim green plumage spotted with occasional yellow-colored quills. Juvenile golden fruit doves typically resemble the females.
The golden fruit dove is rarely seen close to ground level and usually inhabits open forests, gallery backwoods, and secondary growth. These species can also be found in mature rainforests with tall trees, as well as in populated areas such as villages and cities.
The golden fruit dove and its cousins, the whistling fruit dove and the orange dove, know how to put on a colorful show. The orange fruit dove, scientifically known as “Ptilinopus victor,†shares the golden fruit dove’s long, “hair-like†feathers but has a bright orange color and an olive-hued head. It looks like its golden cousin all around, but it lives on various Fiji islands like the Kioa, Laucala, Levu, Vanua, Qamea, Rabi, and Taveuni islands.
On the other hand, the whistling fruit dove, or velvet dove, scientifically called Ptilinopus layardi, is similarly striking. Like its cousins, it has golden hued upperparts, with a differentiating head, in its case, dazzling yellow.
The velvet dove is recorded by the IUCN as “Near Threatened,†while the golden and orange doves are recorded as species of “Least Concern.†If you enjoyed learning about these dazzling doves and their cousins, leave your comments below, and share this article with your bird-loving family and friends to spread awareness about these unique and stunning creatures.
