The Common Emerald Dove (Chalcophaps indica) is a medium-sized bird in the pigeon family. It is also known as the Asian Emerald Dove, the Green Dove, the Green-Winged Pigeon, or the Grey-Capped Emerald Dove.
The Common Emerald Dove has an emerald green back and wings. Its flight and tail feathers are blackish. Its head and underparts are dark pink, fading to greyish on its lower belly. Its eyes are dark brown, its beak is bright red, and its leg and feet are rufous (red-brown).
The male has a white patch on the edge of its shoulders and a grey crown, which the female lacks. Females have a browner colour, with a grey mark on the shoulder.
It measures 23-28 centimetres (10-11 inches) in length.
The Common Emerald Dove is common and widespread in south-east Asia, in countries such as Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Indonesia, and the Sakishima Islands of Japan. It prefers tropical habitats and wet woodlands, gardens, mangroves, and coastal heaths.
It is seen alone, in pairs, or in small groups.
It is terrestrial, foraging for food on the ground. It eats seeds and fruit.
The Common Emerald Dove builds a stick nest in a tree. The female lays two small eggs.
[Location of photographs: Paris Zoo, France]
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM