It is found in Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu.

[1] The specific epithet is named after the Scottish naturalist Archibald Mackinlay.

[3] It measures 27 to 31 cm (11 to 12 in) in length, and weighs about 87 grams (3.1 oz).

[5] It is also similar to the bar-tailed cuckoo-dove (Macropygia nigrirostris) which is slightly larger than it is and has richer reddish brown plumage but not the paler head and underparts of the Mackinlay's cuckoo-dove.

Also, although its population numbers have not been determined, they are thought to be above 10,000, which is above the criterion to warrant a vulnerable rating.