The Superb Fruit-dove is one of Australia’s rarely seen beauties! Despite being very colourful (this is a male, the female is much less colourful), this species is very difficult to see in its rainforest habitat. It is only a relatively small native pigeon (22cm) compared to other rainforest species such as the Topknot Pigeon. It can be found in rainforest patches from Cape York in QLD to the Far South Coast of NSW where it feeds on rainforest fruits. With rainforest habitats disappearing, Superb Fruit-dove numbers are also in decline. In NSW, they are now listed under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.

EnviroKey is a specialist ecological consultancy that undertakes surveys, research and education programs across Australia.

Photographer: Steve Sass.
Camera: Canon EOS500D, 500mm fl.
Location: ‘north’ of Sydney, NSW.