Pacific Emerald Dove

Overview

The Pacific emerald dove (Chalcophaps longirostris), also known as the brown-capped emerald dove, is a medium-sized pigeon and a widespread resident breeding bird in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of Indonesia, northern and eastern Australia, Timor-Leste, and Papua New Guinea. Formerly considered conspecific with the common emerald dove, it remains a common species across its range.

Identification

• Stocky, medium-sized pigeon, typically 23 to 28 cm in length.
• Bright emerald green back and wings, with blackish flight feathers and tail showing broad black and white bars on the lower back in flight.
• Dark vinous pink head and underparts fading to greyish on the lower belly, with a bright red bill and rufous legs.
• Low, soft moaning coo of about six to seven notes rising in volume, or a nasal 'hoo-hoo-hoon'.

Habitat

Found in rainforest, dense wet woodlands, farms, gardens, mangroves, and coastal heaths. The species occupies a broad range across the tropical and sub-tropical parts of Indonesia, northern and eastern Australia, Timor-Leste, and Papua New Guinea.

Diet

Eats seeds and fruits from a wide variety of plants, often foraging on the ground for fallen fruit. Although they are generally tame and approachable, their terrestrial foraging habits make them vulnerable to mesopredators such as feral cats and cassowaries.

Did you know?

When disturbed, these doves frequently walk away rather than fly, despite having fast and direct flight patterns characteristic of pigeons. Males also perform a distinct bobbing dance during courtship.