Columbiformes / Columbidae / Chalcophaps
Common Emerald Dove
Chalcophaps indica · 绿翅金鸠
Introduction
A widespread resident breeding pigeon native to the tropical and subtropical parts of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It inhabits tropical forests, dense wet woodlands, farms, and mangroves. Distinctive traits include bright emerald green wings, terrestrial foraging behavior, and a fast, direct flight style.
Description
Stocky, medium-sized pigeon, typically 23–27 cm (9.1–10.6 in) in length. The back and wings are bright emerald green. Flight feathers and tail are blackish, with broad black and white bars on the lower back visible in flight. The head and underparts are dark vinous pink, fading to greyish on the lower belly. Eyes are dark brown, bill bright red, and legs and feet rufous. Males have a white patch on the edge of the shoulders and a grey crown. Females lack the grey crown, tend to have a browner complexion, and show a grey mark on the shoulder. Immature birds resemble females but have brown scallops on body and wing plumage.
Identification
Key marks include bright emerald green wings, dark vinous pink underparts, and a bright red bill. In flight, broad black and white bars appear on the lower back, along with a buff underwing and chestnut flight feathers. Males display a grey crown and white shoulder patch, absent in females. Flight is fast and direct with regular beats and occasional sharp wing flicks. Vocalizations include a low soft moaning coo of six to seven notes, rising in volume, and a nasal 'hoo-hoo-hoon'.
Distribution & Habitat
Native to the tropical and subtropical Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Six subspecies are recognized: C. i. indica (India to south China, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesian and west Papuan islands), C. i. robinsoni (Sri Lanka), C. i. maxima (Andaman Islands), C. i. augusta (Nicobar Islands), C. i. natalis (Christmas Island), and C. i. minima (Numfor, Biak, and Mios Num islands). Habitats include tropical forests, dense wet woodlands, farms, and mangroves.
Behavior & Ecology
Usually occurs singly, in pairs, or small groups. Quite terrestrial, often searching for fallen fruit and seeds on the ground, spending little time in trees except when roosting. Generally tame and approachable. Small groups may maintain a territory in resource-rich areas. Flight is fast and direct, often low between dense forest patches; when disturbed, they frequently walk away rather than fly. Males perform a bobbing dance during courtship. Builds a scant stick nest in a tree up to five metres high and lays two cream-coloured eggs.
Culture
The common emerald dove is the state bird of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Taxonomy
- Order
- Columbiformes
- Family
- Columbidae
- Genus
- Chalcophaps
Vocalizations
Subspecies (6)
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Chalcophaps indica augusta
Nicobar Islands
Data Sources
Species description from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Bird images and sounds sourced from GBIF, contributed by citizen scientists worldwide under Creative Commons licenses.
Taxonomy data from AviList 2025.
