The wompoo fruit dove was formally described in 1821 by the Dutch zoologist Coenraad Jacob Temminck from a specimen that had been collected on the east coast of Australia.

[4] Five subspecies are recognised:[4] This dove measures up to 45 cm (18 in), but are generally far smaller in northern regions.

They do not like to travel long distances, preferring to stay in their local area and make use of whatever fruit are in season.

The diet of this species was extensively studied in the Port Moresby area by Frith et al. (1976).

Widespread and common throughout its large range, the wompoo fruit dove is evaluated as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.