Doves

Emerald Dove (Chalcophaps longirostris)

Found on eastern coasts of Australia, the Emerald Dove is a very shy bird, usually only seen as it scurries away from you into the rainforest. The plumage ranges from grey/brown to a real bright brown with deep bronzy/green wings. There are often flashes of white on the wing and back. 

Brown Cuckoo-Dove (Macropygia phasianella)

The Brown Cuckoo-Dove is another very shy dove and I have only observed it from a distance. It is another rainforest bird but this time it is found at the top of the canopy feeding on available fruits. Like the Emerald Dove, it is only resident in forests on coastal eastern areas. The male bird (photo left) has smooth bright brown plumage with a pale blue eye. The female on the right shows more patterning on her neck and breast. Both birds have very long tails, which is where their name comes from.

Peaceful Dove (Geopelia placida)

Although there are wide swathes of Australia in the centre and west where the Peaceful Dove is absent, its gentle call always makes me feel I am really in Australia. Its unassuming nature really reflects its name. It is a small bird and will associate with other small doves, like the Diamond Dove. Its pale pink and grey plumage is punctuated with a bright blue eye and ring. 

Diamond Dove (Geopelia cuneata)

I always think of the Diamond Dove as being a bird of arid areas but it actually has a wide range across all but the southern most parts of Australia. It is a tiny bird, only slightly larger than the sparrow.. Plumage can appear grey, blue or brown depending on the region but it always has white spots in the wing and a bright red eye.

Bar-shouldered Dove (Geopelia humeralis)

The Bar-shouldered Dove is a large dove with very pretty plumage for those who stop to look. A pale blue head and neck blends into a pink belly and the back and wings are brown. The scallops on the neck and shouldered are an orangey bronze. It is the common bird of woods, parks and gardens in eastern and northern areas.