Chalcophaps stephani
The Stephan's Emerald Dove (*Chalcophaps stephani*) is a stunningly iridescent pigeon species, celebrated for its jewel-toned plumage that captivates birders across its Southeast Asian and Australasian range. Males typically feature a distinct white forehead patch and a prominent white supercilium contrasting with a grey head, while females exhibit a duller, yellowish-brown forehead and a less defined supercilium. Both sexes boast brilliant emerald-green wings, a rufous lower back, and a grey...
Primarily found in primary and secondary lowland rainforests, dense monsoon forests, and mangroves, often close to water sources. It can be found from sea level up to elevations of 1,500 meters.
Feeds mainly on fallen seeds, small fruits, and berries found on the forest floor, supplemented by small insects and invertebrates.
Stephan's Emerald Doves are typically shy and elusive, spending most of their time foraging inconspicuously on the forest floor, often alone or in pairs. They are diurnal, active during daylight hours, and roost in dense foliage within trees or shrubs at night. Their foraging strategy involves me...
Stephan's Emerald Dove boasts a wide, though somewhat disjunct, distribution across numerous islands in Wallacea, Melanesia, and parts of the Philippines. Its primary breeding range encompasses the Moluccas and West Papua in Indonesia, extending eastward across the entirety of New Guinea, the Bis...
Least Concern
- Stephan's Emerald Dove is named after the collector J. Stephan, who obtained the type specimen. - Its scientific name *Chalcophaps* comes from Greek words meaning 'bronze pigeon', referring to the metallic sheen on its wings. - Despite its bright green plumage, this dove is surprisingly camoufl...