Turtur chalcospilos
The Emerald-spotted Wood Dove, *Turtur chalcospilos*, is a jewel-toned denizen of sub-Saharan Africa, instantly recognizable by the striking iridescent green or bronze-green spots adorning its wings. Measuring a diminutive 20-22 cm in length and weighing just 50-70 grams, this small dove boasts a delicate pinkish-grey breast, a grey crown, and a rufous or rusty wash on its underparts and flanks, contrasting with a pale belly. Distinctive field marks include the metallic wing spots, a dark eye...
This species favors a variety of woodland habitats, including acacia savanna, miombo woodland, dense scrub, riverine thickets, and even suburban gardens, from sea level up to approximately 2000 meters.
Primarily granivorous, feeding on a wide variety of small seeds gleaned from the ground, supplemented by small invertebrates and fallen berries.
Emerald-spotted Wood Doves are primarily diurnal, spending much of their day foraging on the ground, often in dappled shade, and roosting in dense vegetation at night. They are meticulous ground gleaners, sifting through leaf litter with quick, purposeful movements for seeds and small invertebrat...
The Emerald-spotted Wood Dove has a widespread and stable distribution across sub-Saharan Africa. Its breeding range extends from eastern Sudan and Ethiopia, south through East Africa including Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique, and across to southern Angola, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Sw...
Least Concern
- The striking metallic wing spots are not pigment but structural coloration, meaning they shimmer and change hue with light. - Its distinctive, repetitive call is often described as sounding like water dripping into a bucket or a distant, accelerating motor. - When disturbed on the ground, it of...