Emerald dove

Emerald Doves are very secretive and shy. Thus, although they are quite common, they are rarely seen.

foraging on the groundEmerald Doves feed on fallen fruit and seeds . They also eat titbits like termites. Unlike some fruit-eating birds, however, Emerald Doves destroy the seeds that they eat and don't appear to play a major role in plant dispersal.

Emerald Doves usually forage on the ground, mostly under tree cover. Sometimes, they cautiously venture out onto open grassland to forage, but will scuttle back into the undergrowth at the slightest hint of danger. They fly low and quickly, zipping in and out among trees and undergrowth. They also visit mineral seeps in the forest.


Breeding: Emerald Doves appear to have a limited breeding season from April to September. Like other pigeons, the nest is a flimsy platform, often simply leaf litter that gathers naturally in a palm frond, stabilised by a few twigs. One nest comprised simply a large leaf lying on a tangle of creepers. They only nest in the forest or closed-canopy woodland, 1-5m above the ground.

1-2 white eggs are laid, but usually only 1 chick survives. It appears only the female incubates. The eggs hatch in about 2 weeks and the young fledge in 12-13 days.

Migration: Although Emerald Doves may travel long distances to forage for food and are somewhat nomadic , they are not migratory. They are found in lowland and montane forests, secondary growths, mangroves; also in cultivated lands.

Status and threats: Although Emerald Doves have adapted to feed in parks and agricultural land, they still require natural wooded areas to nest in. Because of their beautiful coloration and soothing call, Emerald Doves are often trapped and sold as cage birds.