The blue-spotted wood dove or blue-spotted dove is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is abundantly present throughout Africa south of the Sahel; it is partially present in East Africa and absent in southern Africa.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Widespread from West and Central Africa south of the Sahel, patchy through parts of East Africa, and largely absent from the far south. It favors woodland edges, gallery forests, secondary growth, and riverine thickets, often near water. It also uses wooded savanna, cocoa and coffee plantations, and farm edges with dense shrub cover. The species is mostly sedentary, making local movements in response to food and water availability.
Altitude Range
0–2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The blue-spotted wood dove is a small, shy forest-edge dove recognized by its metallic blue spots on the wings. It is often confused with the emerald-spotted wood dove, which occurs farther south and has greener wing gloss. Pairs keep close contact with soft, mournful coos, especially at dawn and dusk. When flushed, it explodes from cover with rapid wingbeats and a sharp whirr.
Temperament
shy and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, occasionally small loose groups at water sources. Nests are flimsy twig platforms placed low to mid-level in dense shrubs or small trees. Clutch is typically two white eggs, with both sexes sharing incubation and chick care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, mournful series of clear, whistled coos that rise and fall, repeated at measured intervals. Most vocal at dawn and late afternoon, with calls carrying through dense thickets.
