Emerald dove
Chalcophaps indica 23 - 27cm
This small, shy dove is typically seen in pairs foraging on the ground. It is well camouflaged with its brown and green plumage, except when glimpsed in a sunny spot. Then the emerald shimmers iridescent and the bright red beak and feet are also quite striking. The call of these doves is a very low, soft 'purroom' which rises gradually with each call.
(Illustration by Beryl Robertson)
More brilliant birds . . .
Yellow-throated scrubwren - Eastern yellow robin - Rufous fantail - Golden whistler - Eastern whipbird - Noisy pitta - Regent bowerbird - Rose-crowned fruit dove - Green catbird - Paradise riflebird - Wompoo fruit-dove
