Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove
NameEmerald-spotted Wood-Dove
Common NameEmerald-spotted Wood-Dove
Scientific NameTurtur chalcospilos
FamilyColumbidae
Wingspan (cm)30
Length (cm)20
Weight (g)60
Plumage DetailsThe Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove has a blue-grey crown, a pinkish-grey face and underparts, and a brown back and wings. The most striking feature is the row of iridescent emerald-green spots on the secondary coverts of its wings. It has a dark bill and reddish legs.
Vocalization / CallIts call is a distinctive series of soft, mournful coos, often described as 'doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo' that descends in pitch and then rises slightly at the end.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal and Gambia east to Ethiopia and Somalia, and south through East Africa to South Africa.
Identifying FeaturesIridescent emerald-green spots on wings, Blue-grey crown, Pinkish-grey underparts, Distinctive descending-then-rising cooing call
Description
This small, plump dove is easily identified by the iridescent emerald-green spots on its wings. It typically forages on the ground for seeds and small invertebrates, often found in woodlands and savannas across sub-Saharan Africa. Its distinctive call is a series of soft, mournful coos.
