Field Guide

A bird that avoids crowds, the emerald-spotted wood dove is almost always seen by itself, as part of a pair, or with just a few other companions.

Some experts say an emerald-spotted wood dove’s sad call sounds like, “My mother is dead … dead … another … brother is dead, oh boohoohohohoho!”

Emerald-spotted wood doves are more often heard than seen. This bird prefers the quiet calm of the early morning when it leaves its cover for open ground, and walks in a zigzag pattern as it forages for food. When they perch in trees, they prefer to stay within several feet of the ground.

Least concern

Emerald-spotted wood doves search for small seeds, grass, termites, and a few other invertebrates on the ground.

Monogamous pairs may use the same nest for several seasons. Nests are constructed of twigs, roots, and grass, on top of a stump, or in the low branches of a bush or tree. Most incubation is performed by females, but both parents feed the hatchlings.

Snakes, shrikes, and mongooses all prey upon the chicks.

Emerald-spotted wood doves are abundant throughout Kenya.

These birds can be found south of the Sahara, but are more widespread in the eastern and central regions of the continent.