Quick answer
Sultan's Cuckoo-Dove at a glance
Sultan's Cuckoo-Dove (Macropygia doreya) is a bird in the family Columbidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from Sulawesi, Papua, Maluku. Diet: fruit-eater (frugivore); a herbivore.
| Scientific name | Macropygia doreya |
|---|---|
| Indonesian name | Uncal Sultan |
| Group | Birds |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Observation records | Sulawesi, Papua, Maluku |
| Taxonomic group | Columbiformes |
| GBIF records | 5,068 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| Diet type | Herbivore (plant-eater) — fruit-eater (frugivore) · AVONET bird trait database (Tobias et al. 2022) |
| Reproduction | Laying eggs (oviparous) · Vigie-Nature École (MNHN) |
In this guide (12)
What is the Sultan's Cuckoo-Dove?
Sultan's Cuckoo-Dove refers to Macropygia doreya, in the genus Macropygia, family Columbidae, and order Columbiformes. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.
What is known about the Sultan's Cuckoo-Dove?
Sultan's cuckoo-dove ranges from the northern Moluccas and Sulawesi towards New Guinea; its taxonomy reflects a split from a former cuckoo-dove complex.
Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.
Evidence: Species account — background reading ↗
How many Indonesian records name the Sultan's Cuckoo-Dove?
When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 5,068 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
Where were observations reported?
Place labels appearing in the results include Sulawesi, Papua, Maluku. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
How can you observe the Sultan's Cuckoo-Dove?
Record the date, broad location, voice and visible plumage without approaching nests or young. A clear, distant photograph is more useful than disturbing a bird for a closer view. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.
Explore related animals
To explore this group further, compare Sultan's Cuckoo-Dove with Green Imperial Pigeon, Black-naped Fruit Dove, Gray-cheeked Green-Pigeon. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.
Scientific classification of the Sultan's Cuckoo-Dove
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Macropygia |
| Species | Macropygia doreya |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about Sultan's Cuckoo-Dove
What is the scientific name of Sultan's Cuckoo-Dove?
The scientific name of Sultan's Cuckoo-Dove is Macropygia doreya, in the family Columbidae and the order Columbiformes. In Indonesian it is called Uncal Sultan.
What kind of animal is Sultan's Cuckoo-Dove?
Sultan's Cuckoo-Dove is a bird in the family Columbidae. By diet it is a herbivore (plant-eater): a fruit-eater (frugivore).
Where does Sultan's Cuckoo-Dove live in Indonesia?
Observation records of Sultan's Cuckoo-Dove summarised in this guide mainly come from Sulawesi, Papua, Maluku. That list is not a complete range map.
What does Sultan's Cuckoo-Dove eat?
Sultan's Cuckoo-Dove is a fruit-eater (frugivore). That makes it a herbivore (plant-eater). Source: AVONET bird trait database (Tobias et al. 2022).
How does Sultan's Cuckoo-Dove reproduce?
Sultan's Cuckoo-Dove reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: Vigie-Nature École (MNHN).
What is the scientific classification of Sultan's Cuckoo-Dove?
Scientific classification of Sultan's Cuckoo-Dove: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Aves, order Columbiformes, family Columbidae, genus Macropygia, species Macropygia doreya.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Sources & references
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
- GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
- iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations ↗
- Species account — background reading ↗
- AVONET bird trait database (Tobias et al. 2022) ↗
- Vigie-Nature École (MNHN) ↗
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →
Cite this page
Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.
PanduanHewan. Sultan's Cuckoo-Dove (Macropygia doreya). Last substantive update: 1 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/macropygia-doreya/