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| Common Name: | Green-winged dove | Family: | Columbidae |
| Latin Name: | Chalcophaps indica | Diet: | Frugivore |
| Type: | Bird | Habitat: | Woodlands, Tropical Rainforests |
| Native To: | Australasia , Asia | Social Unit: | Various |
| IUCN Red List Status: | Endangered |
Green-winged doves at Edinburgh Zoo
Here at Edinburgh Zoo we have two male and four female green-winged doves. Two females came to us from Burger’s Zoo, Holland in June 2005 and were joined by a female rehomed from the SSPCA in 2009. The males and another female joined the collection from Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust in 2010.
Where it can be found at Edinburgh Zoo
Our green-winged doves live in our Australasian exhibit with the red-sided eclectus parrots, Victoria crowned pigeons, crested pigeons and Nicobar pigeons. At the end of the day they roost in the branches of over the walkway in the aviary, above our visitor’s heads.
Green-winged doves in the wild
The green-winged dove (Chalcophaps indica) is known by a variety of other names such as the emerald dove, green-backed dove or green pigeon. They are found in Australia, India, New Guinea, the Philippines and Sri Lanka living in dense, wet woodlands and rainforests. Green-winged doves are usually found alone or in pairs.
As their name suggests, the green-winged dove has bright emerald green wings. The head is pink which fades down to grey to its belly; they have brown eyes and a red bill. Only males have a white patch on the edge of their shoulder and a grey crown. When they fly between patches of forests they are swift and stay low to the ground. They will venture out onto open ground to feed, but if they are disturbed they will usually walk back into the forest undergrowth, however they will take to the air when being pursued.
Although they nest in trees, green-winged doves forage on the ground. They have a mixed diet of fallen fruit, grass, seeds, figs and where available termites, they also visit mineral seeps. When their habitat has been converted into parks and agricultural land they will still feed there, but they still require natural forests to nest in. If there is a rich food source then several doves may feed there at once, however when this occurs they each stay in their own small section of that area.
During courtship the male dove performs a “bobbing” dance for his mate. Nests are built on a leafy branch from surrounding twigs and leaves. The female lays two eggs which she alone incubates for approximately two weeks. When the chicks are two weeks old they have all their feathers and are able to fly.
Due to their exotic appearance the green-winged dove is often caught and sold as cage birds for the pet trade.
IUCN Red List Category: Least Concern
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