The Pacific emerald dove or brown-capped emerald dove is a pigeon which is a widespread resident breeding bird in the tropical and sub-tropical parts of Indonesia, northern and eastern Australia, Timor-Leste, and Papua New Guinea. It was formerly conspecific with the common emerald dove.
Region
Australasia and Wallacea
Typical Environment
Occurs from Indonesia and Timor-Leste through New Guinea to northern and eastern Australia, including many adjacent islands. Prefers tropical and subtropical forests, monsoon vine thickets, mangroves, and dense woodland, but also uses forest edges, plantations, and well-vegetated gardens. Most activity is on the ground, where it forages quietly in leaf litter. It is generally sedentary, with local movements following fruit availability and rainfall.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A shy, ground-foraging pigeon, the Pacific emerald dove is often detected by the sudden whir of its wings as it flushes from forest paths. Its gleaming green upperwings contrast with a warm brown head and body, which helps distinguish it from the Common Emerald Dove it was once lumped with. It readily visits forest edges, plantations, and even gardens to pick fallen fruit. Pairs are typically discreet, nesting low and producing soft, repetitive coos.
Temperament
shy and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with a loud whirring flush
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, foraging quietly on the ground. Nests are flimsy platforms placed low in shrubs or trees. Both sexes share incubation and chick-rearing duties. Breeding often coincides with wetter periods when fruit is abundant.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A low, mournful series of soft coos, repeated at measured intervals and carrying through dense foliage. Wing claps and the audible whirr of takeoff are also characteristic in close quarters.
