Aplopelia larvata
The Lemon Dove (*Aplopelia larvata*) is a medium-sized, highly elusive forest-dwelling dove, typically measuring 25-29 cm in length and weighing between 120-190 grams. Its striking appearance features a dark olive-brown to cinnamon-brown back, contrasting with a distinctive facial pattern: a white forehead, blackish crown, and slate-grey cheeks. The underparts are generally greyish-pink to vinaceous, paling on the belly, and it possesses bright red legs and feet, providing a unique field mark...
Primarily inhabits dense, moist evergreen forests, montane forests, and riverine woodlands, typically at elevations between 600-2,500 meters, though occasionally found lower or higher.
Feeds predominantly on fallen seeds and fruits from forest plants, supplemented by small invertebrates such as insects and snails, all gleaned from the forest floor.
Lemon Doves are exceedingly shy and reclusive birds, typically observed singly or in pairs, rarely forming larger flocks. They spend most of their time foraging on the forest floor, meticulously sifting through leaf litter with their bills, often giving a characteristic flick with their wings to ...
The Lemon Dove exhibits a highly disjunct distribution across sub-Saharan Africa, stretching from Guinea in West Africa eastward to Ethiopia and southward through Central Africa to Southern Africa. Its range includes countries like Sierra Leone, Liberia, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, E...
Least Concern
- The Lemon Dove's specific name, *larvata*, means 'masked', referring to its distinctive facial pattern of white forehead and black crown. - It is one of the most terrestrial doves in its range, spending a significant portion of its time on the forest floor. - Despite its wide distribution acros...