The emerald-spotted wood dove or emerald-spotted dove is a bird of the family Columbidae, resident across eastern and southern Africa. It is a species of open drier deciduous woodland and second growth. It is absent from evergreen rainforests and semidesert areas.
Region
Eastern and Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in open, drier deciduous woodland, savanna, thornveld, and second-growth habitats. Common in miombo and mopane woodlands, riparian thickets, and bushy farmland edges. It readily uses lightly wooded gardens and village edges but avoids dense evergreen rainforest interiors and true desert. Often keeps close to cover and forages along paths, clearings, and waterholes within otherwise wooded landscapes.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The emerald-spotted wood dove is a small, ground-feeding dove recognized by the shimmering green spots on its wings. It flushes suddenly from cover with a whirring, whistling wingbeat and often drops back to the ground a short distance away. Its gentle, repetitive cooing is a familiar sound of African woodlands and savannas. Pairs often hold small territories year-round.
At Hluhluwe-Umfolozi, South Africa, showing the bluish-emerald wing spots
Temperament
shy and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; fast, direct flight from cover
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, occasionally in small loose groups at water sources. Nests are flimsy twig platforms placed low in trees or shrubs. Typical clutch is two white eggs, with both sexes sharing incubation and chick-rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, rhythmic series of mellow coos delivered at a steady pace, often repeated for long periods. Calls carry gently through woodland, giving a calm, mournful quality typical of wood doves.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with greyish head and breast washed pinkish, and striking metallic emerald-green spots on the wing coverts. Underparts pale grey to whitish, with darker tail showing a blackish subterminal band and white outer corners. Overall smooth, neat plumage with a soft sheen on the wings.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small seeds of grasses and herbs, along with fallen grains and small fruits. It occasionally takes green plant material and tiny invertebrates incidentally while foraging. Most food is picked from the ground, especially where seed has accumulated under trees or along paths.
Preferred Environment
Forages on the ground in open woodland, thickets, field edges, and around waterholes. Frequently feeds along tracks, clearings, and shaded leaf-litter under bushes and trees, staying close to cover.
