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WOMPOO FRUIT-DOVE ·
In Australia the Wompoo Fruit-Dove is a common
resident of rainforests. ·
Despite its colourful plumage it can be difficult to
observe in the rainforest canopy. However,
it flies noisily and has loud calls. ·
It feeds on mainly succulent fruits, even large
ones such as figs being swallowed whole. ·
The name refers to its extraordinary call that
sounds eerily like a human voice. beakful of twigs and a prayer. It is surprising that they hold eggs, let alone wriggling nestlings, but the commonness of many species, for example the peaceful dove, which is a minimal nester, means they must serve their purpose. It has been suggested that these nests may dry out quickly after rain. Flimsiness, however, may be an illusion; the sticks in nests of superb fruit-doves were found to consist of forked twigs which were locked into place and difficult to pull apart. (Source: Department of Environment) · It is the largest of the Tropical North Queensland fruit-doves. ·
Although it feeds mainly in the canopy, it is
sometimes seen eating fallen fruit on ·
The
distinctive ‘wollack-wa-hoo’ calls can be heard year round in the Lake Eacham · It is often seen feeding in the top of fruiting trees around Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodge |
Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodges |