Emerald-spotted Wood Dove

Overview

The emerald-spotted wood dove, or emerald-spotted dove, is a small plump pigeon belonging to the family Columbidae. It is a resident species found across eastern and southern Africa, currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• A small bird, typically 20 cm in length, with a pale grey-brown back, wings, and tail featuring green metallic patches and blackish bands on the lower back and tail.
• The forehead, crown, and nape are bluish-grey fading to pinkish-grey on the throat, while the underparts are mauve-pink, becoming whiter on the belly.
• Possesses a blackish bill with a red base, with females potentially appearing slightly duller than males and immatures showing duller green spots and buff fringes.
• The call consists of two soft long coos, followed by 10 seconds of slow descending coos, and concludes with 4 seconds of rapid coos decreasing in volume.

Habitat

This species inhabits open, drier deciduous woodland and second-growth areas. It is notably absent from evergreen rainforests and semi-desert regions.

Diet

The emerald-spotted wood dove typically forages on the ground for grass and other small seeds.

Did you know?

Although usually not gregarious, these birds will form flocks specifically at waterholes.