The diet of the Henderson fruit dove Ptilinopus insularis. I. Field observations of fruit choice

Abstract

Abstract Over 13 months we studied the diet of the fruit dove Ptilinopus insularis , endemic to the exceptionally remote South Pacific island of Henderson. Nineteen plant species were recorded in the diet by faecal analysis and direct observation. The fruit of Procris pedunculata (Urticaceae) was the most common food. When it was unavailable, the doves turned to the young shoots of the fern Phymatosorus scolopendria. Subject to a maximum diameter of about 18 mm, the doves ate nearly all types of available fruit. By combining the diet studies with studies of plant phenology we were able to assess which, of the fruits available, were preferred. The doves preferred the larger fruit. Given that the fruit dove today eats nearly all available fruit species, we ponder on how it co-existed with at least two other pigeon species that formerly lived on Henderson Island.