Emerald Dove Husbandry Manual - Nswfmpa.org

Jennifer Brown ● Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica ● Husbandry manual
Fig 3.2.2 Map showing distribution of Emerald dove across Australia
There is little known about the migratory patterns of these birds. They are thought to be
partly nomadic and locally migratory (Higgins et al. 1996) but no large studies have been
undertaken. For instance in NSW they are thought to be sedentary (Higgins et al. 1996)
due to the local data that was available. With no studies undertaken since the early
nineteen eighties there really is no information on their migratory patterns.
There are i ndividual records of t hese birds being sighted far f rom land and being taken
onto ship at sea (Higgins et al. 1996) which does give evidence that they have the ability
to travel long distances.
Due to their natural habitat of dense forest, it is easy to assume that with the expansion of
civilisation especially in the Asian region and the east coast of Australia, that their natural
habitat has diminished and their distribution 100 years ago would have been much
greater t han it is today b ut wi th no c orroborating evidence th is is o nly a t heory an d
cannot be verified, as there have been no studies into this area.
3.3 Longevity:
3.3.1 Wild:
There i s n o d ata o f t he l ongevity o f t hese b irds. If t hey were t o b e c ompared t o o ther
similar species such as other dove species then they would be expected to live between
3 to 5 years in the wild.
3.3.2 Captivity:
There is a record of juveniles free flying three weeks after hatching (Higgins et al. 1996) in
captivity. There is little other data regarding aging or the longevity of these birds. T here
are i ndividual sp ecimens k ept in th e p rivate sector wh ich h ave l ived u p t o 1 8 years
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