• Summary
• Text account
• Data table and detailed info
• Distribution map
• Reference and further resources

Justification of Red List category
This species has a restricted range where forest loss and degradation is ongoing. It is is therefore classified as Near Threatened.

Population justification
BirdLife Fiji surveys found this species to be common in evergreen forests, with 53 birds recorded (mostly calling males) in 23.5 hours at a mixed lowland and montane site, and 17 birds in 15 hours at a montane site. Estimating an average pace 1 km/hour and an effective detection distance of 50 m each side of the trail suggests that around 23 and 11 birds were detected per km² at these sites, mostly calling males. The area of dense and medium-dense forest on Kadavu is around 225 km², suggesting that the total population is around 2,500-5,000 birds. However, there are a number of likely errors in this estimate, especially the number of silent birds overlooked and the species' higher abundance at lower altitudes (where calling males can be as little as 100 m apart). Additionally, the species also occurs on the island of Ono which probably constitutes a second sub-population (as this and other Chrysoena doves are rarely seen flying outside forest and have not been recorded from smaller islands), numbering about 5% of the total population (G. Dutson in litt. 2005). The population size may therefore be substantially larger, and to account for this uncertainty is tentatively placed in the band 5,000-15,000 birds, or 3,000-10,000 mature individuals.

Trend justification
The population is suspected to be declining based on rate of habitat loss; this rate is currently slow (c.4-5% over three generations [Global Forest Watch 2022, based on data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein]) and it should continue to be monitored on both islands. As a forest-dependent species, C. viridis is suspected to be declining at approximately the same rate as that of forest loss and declines are placed in the band 1-9% over three generations.

Chrysoena viridis is endemic to the islands of Kadavu and neighbouring Ono in south-west Fiji.

It is generally found in well-forested areas in the lowlands; on Ono it is restricted to forest remnants (Clunie 1984). It forages mainly in the substage of forests and in dense thickets.

The population is suspected to be declining at the same rate as forest loss and degradation on Kadavu, which has also suffered extensive fires. Hunting may be an additional threat.

Conservation Actions Underway
In 2000, BirdLife Fiji conducted surveys to estimate population size but there has been no more recent attempt to do so.

Conservation Actions Proposed
Continue to monitor population size to assess trends. Set aside and protect forest habitat, particularly in lowland areas. Investigate the impact of hunting on the species and regulate as appropriate.

20 cm. An inconspicuous, green fruit-dove. The male is uniformly green, although slightly darker on the back but with a yellowish-green head, a white belly and yellow undertail coverts. The female is similar but lacks the distinctive head plumage. Voice A single mellow whistle which is immediately followed by a short trill, the latter only heard at close quarters. Hints May be seen in any forest area of Kadavu and its offshore islands, generally heard first.

Text account compilers
Vine, J.

Contributors
Dutson, G. & Kretzschmar, J.P.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Whistling Dove Chrysoena viridis. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/whistling-dove-chrysoena-viridis on 23/12/2024.
Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2024) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/search on 23/12/2024.