The Emerald Dove

The beautiful Emerald Dove (Chalcophaps Indica) is the official State Bird of Tamil Nadu. This bird is also known by the names of Green Dove and Green-winged Pigeon. Its usually found in forested areas where it is quite common but as its very shy and secretive, is rarely seen. 

Emerald Doves feed on fallen fruit and seeds (including grass seeds, figs and bamboo). This bird usually forages on the ground, mostly under tree cover. They also eat tidbits like termites. Unlike some fruit-eating birds, however, Emerald Doves destroy the seeds that they eat and don't appear to play a major role in plant dispersal. They spend little time in trees except when roosting. Although this bird spends a lot of time on the ground it has a fast flight and often flies low between patches of dense forest.

The Emerald Dove is a stocky, medium-size pigeon. Emerald Doves occur singly, pairs or in small groups. They are terrestrial. It has a rufous-brown head, neck and upper back. Its wings and shoulders are bright emerald green with the edge of the shoulders being white. The male has wine-red tints on the rufous plumage, but this is generally absent in the female. 

Its call is a low soft cooing consisting of about six to seven coos starting quietly and rising. This bird also calls using a nasal "hoo-hoo-hoon". Males perform a bobbing dance during courtship. 

Photos of the Emerald Doves

Fledgling bird

Juvenile Bird

Male Bird

Female Bird

Courting Pair