# Black-naped Fruit Dove

> Black-naped Fruit Dove (Ptilinopus melanospilus). Male black-naped fruit-doves have a pale grey head, dark nape and mostly green body; females may look different.

Source: https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/ptilinopus-melanospilus/ · Updated 1 October 2026 · English · Bahasa Indonesia: https://panduanhewan.org/id/spesies/ptilinopus-melanospilus/
_This Markdown mirror is generated at build time from the same data as the HTML page. Cite the HTML page URL and its update date._

**Review status:** This guide was compiled from the listed species sources and observation records; it has not been reviewed by a taxonomic specialist. GBIF records are neither a census nor proof of native range.

## Quick answer

The Black-naped Fruit Dove (*Ptilinopus melanospilus*) is a bird in the family Columbidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from Nusa Tenggara, Sulawesi, Java. Diet: fruit-eater (frugivore); a herbivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | *Ptilinopus melanospilus* |
| Indonesian name | Walik kembang |
| Group | Birds |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Observation records | Nusa Tenggara, Sulawesi, Java |
| Taxonomic group | Columbiformes |
| GBIF records | 4,526 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/2495630) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Diet type | Herbivore (plant-eater) — fruit-eater (frugivore) · [AVONET bird trait database (Tobias et al. 2022)](https://figshare.com/articles/dataset/AVONET_morphological_ecological_and_geographical_data_for_all_birds_Tobias_et_al_2021_Ecology_Letters_/16586228) |
| Reproduction | Laying eggs (oviparous) · [Vigie-Nature École (MNHN)](https://www.vigienature-ecole.fr/en/node/352) |
| Active | Diurnal (active by day) · [EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt](https://esapubs.org/archive/ecol/E095/178/BirdFuncDat.txt) |

## What is the Black-naped Fruit Dove?

Black-naped Fruit Dove refers to Ptilinopus melanospilus, in the genus Ptilinopus, 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.

Evidence: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon](https://www.gbif.org/species/2495630)

## What is known about the Black-naped Fruit Dove?

Male black-naped fruit-doves have a pale grey head, dark nape and mostly green body; females may look different.

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](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ptilinopus%20melanospilus)

## How many Indonesian records name the Black-naped Fruit Dove?

When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 4,526 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](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=2495630&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## Where were observations reported?

Place labels appearing in the results include Nusa Tenggara, Sulawesi, Java. 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](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=2495630&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## How can you observe the Black-naped Fruit 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 Black-naped Fruit Dove with Gray-cheeked Green-Pigeon, Asian Emerald Dove, Rock 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 Black-naped Fruit Dove

| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | *Ptilinopus* |
| Species | *Ptilinopus melanospilus* |

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Common questions about the Black-naped Fruit Dove

### What is the scientific name of the Black-naped Fruit Dove?

The scientific name of the Black-naped Fruit Dove is *Ptilinopus melanospilus*, in the family Columbidae and the order Columbiformes. In Indonesian it is called Walik kembang.

### What kind of animal is the Black-naped Fruit Dove?

The Black-naped Fruit Dove is a bird in the family Columbidae. By diet it is a herbivore (plant-eater): a fruit-eater (frugivore).

### Where does the Black-naped Fruit Dove live in Indonesia?

Observation records of the Black-naped Fruit Dove summarised in this guide mainly come from Nusa Tenggara, Sulawesi, Java. That list is not a complete range map.

### What does the Black-naped Fruit Dove eat?

The Black-naped Fruit Dove is a fruit-eater (frugivore). That makes it a herbivore (plant-eater). Source: [AVONET bird trait database (Tobias et al. 2022)](https://figshare.com/articles/dataset/AVONET_morphological_ecological_and_geographical_data_for_all_birds_Tobias_et_al_2021_Ecology_Letters_/16586228).

### How does the Black-naped Fruit Dove reproduce?

The Black-naped Fruit Dove reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: [Vigie-Nature École (MNHN)](https://www.vigienature-ecole.fr/en/node/352).

### Is the Black-naped Fruit Dove nocturnal?

The cited source records the Black-naped Fruit Dove as diurnal (active by day). Source: [EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt](https://esapubs.org/archive/ecol/E095/178/BirdFuncDat.txt).

See also [the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/nocturnal-and-diurnal-animals/).

### What is the scientific classification of the Black-naped Fruit Dove?

Scientific classification of the Black-naped Fruit Dove: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Aves, order Columbiformes, family Columbidae, genus *Ptilinopus*, species *Ptilinopus melanospilus*.

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c), adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.

### Is the Black-naped Fruit Dove endangered?

No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the Black-naped Fruit Dove is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/2495630), checked 1 October 2026.

This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the Black-naped Fruit Dove is a protected species, consult the current national list of [protected species](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/protected/) or contact the local [BKSDA](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/) (natural resources conservation office).

## Sources & references

1. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon](https://www.gbif.org/species/2495630)
2. [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=2495630&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)
3. [iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations](https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/2792)
4. [Species account — background reading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ptilinopus%20melanospilus)
5. [AVONET bird trait database (Tobias et al. 2022)](https://figshare.com/articles/dataset/AVONET_morphological_ecological_and_geographical_data_for_all_birds_Tobias_et_al_2021_Ecology_Letters_/16586228)
6. [Vigie-Nature École (MNHN)](https://www.vigienature-ecole.fr/en/node/352)
7. [EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt](https://esapubs.org/archive/ecol/E095/178/BirdFuncDat.txt)
8. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Keep exploring

- [Gray-cheeked Green-Pigeon](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/treron-griseicauda/)
- [Asian Emerald Dove](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/chalcophaps-indica/)
- [Rock Pigeon](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/columba-livia/)
- [Sultan's Cuckoo-Dove](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/macropygia-doreya/)
- [Green Imperial Pigeon](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/ducula-aenea/)
- [Freckle-breasted Woodpecker](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/dendrocopos-analis/)

---

Cite: PanduanHewan. (2026). Black-naped Fruit Dove. PanduanHewan.org. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/ptilinopus-melanospilus/