Turtur chalcospilos

(Wagler, 1827)

Vernacular names
English : Emerald-spotted wood-dove
French : Tourtelette émeraudine

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Columbiformes
Family : Columbidae
Notes : No subspecies known

Identification
The species grows to 20 cm in length for a weight of 70 g. Small black bill with dull reddish base. Head blue-grey, lighter around eyes, plumage light brown, mauve to pink tinge on breast and belly. Row of iridescent green spots on wings.

Range and habitat
This species occurs in the southern half of Africa, from northwest Somalia and south Ethiopia to South Africa. Also found from coastal Gabon to south Angola. Lives in woodlands, savannas with acacia trees, from lowlands to 2100 meters.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is common and locally even abundant. It can adapt to changes in its habitat although extensive woodland clearing could be a threat.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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