Yesterday, I visited Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and was so very lucky to be able to see a rare event – a Rose Crowned Fruit Dove family!
This spectacularly coloured bird is a native in Australia, being found on the east coast from the northern tip of Queensland down to mid New South Wales as well as in northern Australia. It is currently listed as a vulnerable species in New South Wales.
The Sanctuary has been attempting to breed these birds in captivity for the last 12 years but have had no success, until now. The one and only chick was successfully hatched at the Sanctuary on 3rd August 2016, and according to the Sanctuary’s website, both parents are very attentive to their new addition which is great news indeed.
This was a marvellous sight to see at the Sanctuary, and I was able to spend some pleasant time watching this dove family and taking photographs without crowds of people hanging around. The Sanctuary have not really advertised this new attraction and there are no signs telling you where to go to see them, so if you are on the Gold Coast and would like to see these lovely birds for yourself, head over to number 43 on the Park’s Map and you’ll see a group of aviaries next to the area where they take animal encounter photos at the park’s mini train station and is also opposite a Tasmanian devil enclosure.
As I’m sure you all know, it can be quite challenging taking photos of birds through wire cages, but I think I managed to get some decent photos. I hope you enjoy!
My Wild Australia 
Those are really pretty birds. You got some great shots.
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Thank you!
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Hallo Sue
What gorgeous birds! I haven’t seen any of these, neither in captivity nor in the wild. On a related matter, I learned recently that there’s a bird called a Wompoo fruit dove. The name endeared them to me immediately.
Cheers
Sarah
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Hi Sarah, thanks for dropping by my blog. I’ve heard of the funny named Wompoo fruit dove, but yet to see one in the wild. I believe they are quite similar to these rose crowned fruit doves but are much bigger.
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Great story and pics Sue, so good that they finally succeeded in breeding. I saw my first Fruit-Dove in the Daintree in Queensland.
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Thanks Ashley. It must be quite a challenge for the Sanctuary when these birds only have one chick. Maybe one day I’ll get to see one in the wild. 🙂
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I didn’t realize these birds were in a vulnerable state, great that a baby has hatched. You’ve captured some lovely images.
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Thanks! I believe these birds are secure in QLD but are vulnerable only in NSW.
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We were on holiday in Qld. when I saw them.
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Beautiful images Sue, I am yet to see one in the wild.
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Me too Denis, they’d be wonderful to see up in the rainforest canopy.
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