The Emerald Dove, Chalcophaps indica, is one of the most brightly coloured seed-eating doves available in aviculture. It is found throughout India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Australia and New Guinea. There are several subspecies but C. i. indica is by far the most commonly kept.
It was Osterley Park Menageries in West London who showed these doves to visitors for the first time in Europe in 1794.
Both in the wild and captivity they spend a considerable amount of time feeding on the ground, mostly on seeds.
They are easily maintained being reasonably hardy, although it is advisable to keep them indoors during bitterly cold winds and when the temperature drops too much below freezing point. They are not or hardly aggressive towards other pigeon or dove species.
Their nest is a rather flimsy structure so it’s best to provide a small basket or wooden tray as a nest site. They lay 2 creamy white eggs, which are incubated for approximately 14 days with the chicks fledging after a similar amount of time.
The gender of the young Emerald Doves can be determined whilst stillin the nest. The males have a black tail, whereas the tail of the females is brownish.
The Emerald Dove is a beautiful species that is suitable for both novice and experienced breeders.
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