Wildlifeof Nepal
Grey-capped Emerald Dove
Pigeons, Doves & Sandgrouse
Photo: (c) Nae Tan, some rights reserved (CC BY) · CC-BY
Chalcophaps indica
Basic stats
Diet
Seeds and fruits of a wide variety of plants, taken mostly from the ground
Habitat
Tropical and subtropical forest; spends little time in trees except to roost
Range
Tropical and subtropical Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia
Clutch size
2 cream-coloured eggs
Size
23–27cm
The emerald dove, also called the grey-capped emerald dove, is a stocky, medium-sized pigeon, typically 23 to 27cm long, resident across the tropical and subtropical Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. The head and underparts are dark vinous pink, the eyes dark brown, the bill bright red and the legs rufous. The male has a white shoulder patch and a grey crown, which the female lacks (Wikipedia, general species account).
The call is a low, soft, moaning series of six to seven coos, starting quietly and rising. It is single, in pairs or in small groups, and searches for fallen fruit on the ground, spending little time in trees except when roosting. It is generally tame and approachable. It builds a scant stick nest in a tree, up to five metres up, and lays two cream-coloured eggs.
Quick answers
- What does the Grey-capped Emerald Dove eat?
- Seeds and fruits of a wide variety of plants, taken mostly from the ground
- What habitat does the Grey-capped Emerald Dove live in?
- Tropical and subtropical forest; spends little time in trees except to roost
- Where is the Grey-capped Emerald Dove found?
- Tropical and subtropical Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia
- How many eggs does the Grey-capped Emerald Dove lay?
- 2 cream-coloured eggs
- How big is the Grey-capped Emerald Dove?
- 23–27cm