The Rufous-bellied Cuckoo-Dove is a distinct species found in New Guinea and surrounding islands, recognizable by its rich rufous underparts and long tail. It is a denizen of forests, often found quietly foraging for fruits in the mid-story.
Where to spot
Primarily found in New Guinea and its satellite islands, as well as parts of the Bismarck Archipelago. Inhabits various forest types, from lowland to montane, and often found along forest edges or disturbed areas.
How to spot
Key identifiers include its warm rufous coloration on the underparts, contrasting with darker upperparts, and the typical long cuckoo-dove tail. Listen for its characteristic deep, mournful cooing calls, often a prominent sound in its habitat.
When to spot
Active during daylight hours. Best observed when it is perching quietly or feeding on fruits in trees. Its calls are distinctive and can aid in detection, particularly in the mornings.
Where to spot
Primarily found in New Guinea and its satellite islands, as well as parts of the Bismarck Archipelago. Inhabits various forest types, from lowland to montane, and often found along forest edges or disturbed areas.
How to spot
Key identifiers include its warm rufous coloration on the underparts, contrasting with darker upperparts, and the typical long cuckoo-dove tail. Listen for its characteristic deep, mournful cooing calls, often a prominent sound in its habitat.
When to spot
Active during daylight hours. Best observed when it is perching quietly or feeding on fruits in trees. Its calls are distinctive and can aid in detection, particularly in the mornings.
Recent taxonomic revisions have separated this species from the Amboyna Cuckoo-Dove (*Macropygia amboinensis*) based on significant vocal and genetic differences, highlighting the complexity of this cuckoo-dove group.
We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. Essential cookies are necessary for basic functionality, while analytical cookies help us understand how visitors use our website so we can improve it.
Cookie Preferences
Customize your privacy settings
Choose which cookies you want to allow. Necessary cookies are always enabled for the basic functionality of the website. You can always change your preferences later via the cookie settings in the footer.
Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the website to function properly and cannot be disabled.
Analytics Cookies
Help us understand how visitors use our website, so we can improve it.