Crested cuckoo-dove

Reinwardtoena crassirostris

SUBFAMILY

Columbinae

TAXONOMY

Turacoena crassirostris Gould, 1856, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. Monotypic.

OTHER COMMON NAMES

English: Crested pigeon; French: Phasianelle huppee; German: Helmtaube; Spanish: Paloma Rabuda Crestada.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

15.7–16.1 in (40–41 cm). A unique combination of gray head and underparts, blackish upperparts, crest, long tail, and hooked stout bill.

DISTRIBUTION

Solomon Islands.

HABITAT

Evergreen forest.

BEHAVIOR

Possibly nomadic. While giving the display call, the male throws the head forward with each call in fairly slow motion.

FEEDING ECOLOGY AND DIET

Feeds on fruit in trees.

REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY

Extensive research required.

CONSERVATION STATUS

Near Threatened.

SIGNIFICANCE TO HUMANS

None known.