The state bird of Tamil Nadu is the Emerald Dove. The Emerald Dove, also known as Green Dove, is a species of dove found widely across tropical southern Asia and Southeast Asia. It is the official state bird of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
Why is the Emerald Dove the state bird of Tamil Nadu?
There are a few key reasons why the Emerald Dove was chosen as the state bird of Tamil Nadu:
- Native to the region – Emerald Doves are found across the Indian subcontinent including throughout Tamil Nadu. The species is native to the state.
- Distinctive green plumage – The bright green and unique markings of the Emerald Dove make it visually striking and distinctive. This memorable appearance makes it a good choice for a state symbol.
- Cultural significance – The Emerald Dove has cultural and religious significance in Hinduism, which is the majority religion in Tamil Nadu. It is associated with Kamadeva, the god of love.
- Widespread population – Emerald Doves have a large and thriving population in Tamil Nadu, making them a suitable representation of the state’s wildlife.
- Notional bird – The Emerald Dove was selected as the national bird of India in the 1960s. Its status as the national bird made it a natural choice for Tamil Nadu.
Given these reasons, the striking appearance, religious associations, and strong ties to the region, the Emerald Dove was deemed an appropriate avian symbol for the state of Tamil Nadu.
What are the identifying features of the Emerald Dove?
The Emerald Dove has several distinctive identifying features:
- Size – A small dove, around 24-28 cm long.
- Color – Bright green upperparts and wings, with yellowish underparts. Some blue markings around the eyes.
- Beak – Yellowish beak with a black tip.
- Legs and feet – Red or pinkish legs and feet.
- Tail – Longer blue-grey tail with white tips and black subterminal band.
- Call – A soft, melancholy cooing “crooo-croo-croo”.
The vivid green upperparts combined with the yellow underparts and blue-grey tail make the Emerald Dove unmistakable. The beautiful appearance led to its alternative name of Green Dove.
What is the habitat and distribution of Emerald Doves?
Emerald Doves occupy the following types of habitat:
- Tropical forests – Evergreen and semi-evergreen forest, rainforests, deciduous woodland.
- Scrubland – Areas of dense scrub and bushland.
- Gardens – Cultivated gardens and orchards.
- Parks and farms – Farmlands, grasslands, human-modified environments.
They are very widespread across southern Asia and Southeast Asia, including:
- Indian subcontinent – India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan.
- Southeast Asia – Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia.
- China – Scattered populations in southern China and Hainan island.
Within India, Emerald Doves are found in many states including across Tamil Nadu. They are quite adaptable and inhabit a range of habitats including cities where there are trees and greenery.
What is the diet and feeding behavior of the Emerald Dove?
Emerald Doves have an omnivorous diet consisting of:
- Seeds – Grass seeds, grains, rice, millet, figs, berries.
- Fruit – Berries, figs, mangos, bananas.
- Insects – Termites, ants, beetles.
- Other – Flower nectar, leaves, buds.
Their feeding behavior includes:
- Foraging on the ground for fallen seeds and grain.
- Plucking fruit directly from trees and bushes.
- Sometimes scratching the ground for insects and worms.
- Drinking nectar from flowers like sunbirds.
- Capturingflying insects like flies and winged termites.
Emerald Doves usually feed alone or in pairs. They are somewhat wary and will fly away if startled. But they may forage quite close to humans in parks and gardens.
What are some key facts about Emerald Dove reproduction?
- Form monogamous breeding pairs.
- Breeding season March to September in India.
- Nest is a small platform of twigs and stems in a bush or tree.
- Lay 2 white eggs per clutch.
- Incubation period 14-16 days.
- Fledging period 14-15 days.
- Parents take turns incubating eggs and feeding nestlings.
- May raise 2-6 broods per season.
Emerald Doves build simple nests and have a relatively short breeding cycle. This allows them to breed repeatedly during a single breeding season. Their ability to successfully raise multiple broods contributes to their abundance.
What is the conservation status of the Emerald Dove?
The conservation status of the Emerald Dove is:
- IUCN Red List – Least Concern
- CITES – Not listed
- Indian Wildlife Protection Act – Least Concern
Across their wide range, Emerald Dove populations are generally stable and may even be increasing. Due to their adaptability to human habitats, these doves thrive even in heavily populated urban areas. Their conservation outlook is currently secure.
However, some potential threats include:
- Habitat loss in their native forests
- Pesticides reducing insect food sources
- Hunting and poaching at unsustainable levels in some regions
What is the significance of the Emerald Dove to Tamil Nadu?
As the state bird of Tamil Nadu, the Emerald Dove has special significance for the state. Some of the ways it represents Tamil Nadu include:
- Cultural heritage – Associated with Hindu gods and featured in myths and legends.
- Native beauty – A visually stunning bird that showcases the natural beauty of the state.
- Abundant species – Widespread and thriving across the landscapes of Tamil Nadu.
- Human commensalism – Adapted to live close to humans in cities, villages, and farms.
- Economic importance – Helps disperse seeds and pollinate crops like rice, millet, and figs.
The Emerald Dove encapsulates Tamil Nadu’s rich history, abundant wildlife, and prosperous agriculture. Its close relationship with humans also represents the state’s large population. As a recognizable state symbol, it promotes pride and awareness of Tamil Nadu’s natural heritage.
Conclusion
In summary, the Emerald Dove’s selection as the official state bird of Tamil Nadu is well justified given the species’ strong ties to the region. These small green doves are intimately linked to Tamil culture and history. Their bright plumage and melodious calls add beauty to the landscapes where they thrive. As a successful commensal species, the Emerald Dove reflects the rich biodiversity of Tamil Nadu as well as the state’s thriving human communities. The dove’s continued preservation is important for maintaining the well-being of both the people and the wildlife of Tamil Nadu.
