Asian Emerald Dove (Chalcophaps indica) – A Comprehensive Study
Taxonomy & Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Columbiformes
- Family: Columbidae
- Genus: Chalcophaps
- Species: Chalcophaps indica
The Asian Emerald Dove (Chalcophaps indica) is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling pigeon found in dense forests and mangrove ecosystems across tropical and subtropical regions. It is also known as the Green Dove or Common Emerald Dove due to its striking green plumage.
Morphology & Physical Description
- Size: 23–27 cm in length
- Wingspan: Approximately 43–48 cm
- Weight: 90–170 grams
- Plumage:
- The most distinctive feature is the metallic emerald-green wings and back, which shimmer under sunlight.
- The head, neck, and underparts are pinkish-brown to chestnut in color.
- White markings on the forehead (more prominent in males).
- Dark, rounded tail with black edges.
- Beak: Short and bright red.
- Eyes: Dark brown, surrounded by a narrow orbital ring.
- Legs & Feet: Pinkish-red, well-adapted for ground foraging.
Habitat & Distribution
The Asian Emerald Dove thrives in a variety of forested and coastal habitats, including:
- Tropical and subtropical rainforests
- Mangrove forests (including the Sundarban)
- Riverine woodlands and dense thickets
- Coastal scrublands and secondary forests
Presence in the Sundarban
The Sundarban, with its dense mangrove canopy and rich biodiversity, provides an ideal habitat for the Asian Emerald Dove. This bird is most commonly found in:
- Shaded mangrove patches and riverbanks where it can feed on fallen seeds and fruits.
- Lower canopies of evergreen forests within the Sundarban Biosphere Reserve.
- Coastal and island mangrove zones, where human disturbance is minimal.
In the Sundarban, this bird is more solitary compared to other pigeons and doves. It is mostly seen alone or in pairs, preferring quiet and shaded areas for foraging.
Feeding Behavior & Diet
The Asian Emerald Dove is an omnivorous forager, primarily feeding on:
- Seeds and fruits from various mangrove and tropical trees.
- Berries and figs that grow abundantly in the Sundarban.
- Small insects and invertebrates, including worms, ants, and termites.
- Occasionally, it consumes fallen grains near forest clearings.
Foraging Strategy
- It prefers ground foraging, searching for fallen fruits and seeds in leaf litter.
- Occasionally perches in lower branches to pluck berries.
- Shy and elusive, it often remains hidden under dense undergrowth while feeding.
Breeding & Nesting
- Breeding Season: Typically between March and September, with variations based on rainfall and food availability.
- Nesting Sites: Prefers low branches, tree hollows, or dense shrubbery in forest interiors.
- Nest Construction: A loosely built structure of twigs and leaves, often located 1–3 meters above ground.
- Eggs: Lays two white eggs, incubated for around 14-16 days.
- Parental Care: Both parents share duties of incubation and chick-feeding.
Vocalization & Communication
- The Asian Emerald Dove has a distinctive low, resonant “cooing” call, which sounds like a soft, repetitive “coo-coo-coo”.
- Males use vocalizations during courtship displays and to mark their territory.
- When disturbed, it emits a soft whistling sound before taking flight.
Special Adaptations
- Camouflaged Plumage: The green upperparts blend perfectly with dense foliage, helping the bird evade predators.
- Ground-Foraging Adaptation: Unlike most pigeons, it spends significant time on the forest floor, foraging among leaf litter.
- Silent Flight: Its broad wings and strong flight muscles allow it to take off rapidly without making noise.
- Resilience to Habitat Disturbance: It can adapt to secondary forests and regenerating woodlands, making it more resistant to habitat destruction than other dove species.
Threats & Conservation Status
- Habitat destruction due to deforestation and urban expansion.
- Illegal trapping for the pet trade in some regions.
- Predation by snakes, raptors, and carnivorous mammals.
- Climate change and rising sea levels, threatening mangrove ecosystems like the Sundarban.
IUCN Status: Least Concern (LC)
The Asian Emerald Dove has a wide distribution and a stable population, though localized threats exist. Mangrove conservation in the Sundarban is essential to ensure its continued survival.
Conclusion
The Asian Emerald Dove (Chalcophaps indica) is a beautiful and ecologically significant species in the Sundarban. Its presence highlights the importance of conserving dense mangrove forests, as they provide shelter and sustenance to a wide variety of avian species. Ensuring minimal human disturbance and preserving its natural habitat will help sustain this stunning bird in the region for generations to come.