Common Emerald Dove - Breeding Ritual?

[Sylvia Ramos]

I was watching this Common Emerald Dove that was foraging on the ground when a second bird flew in. Then the first bird hunched up its shoulders, and started following the 2nd bird for several seconds. Then they both flew away. I've never seen such behavior in Common Emerald Doves before. Although it reminded me of something I saw Great Crested Terns doing before. Does anyone know what the behavior signifies? I did some research, and it says that Common Emerald Doves have a very specific mating dance. I'm not sure if this was it.

Common Emerald Dove
Chalcophaps indica
Pandan Island, Occidental Mindoro, March 2014

f5.6, 1/125, iso 500

f7.1, 1/160, iso 500



f7.1, 1/100, iso 500

Gear: Canon 70-300 L, 5DMarkIII, handheld

[Nilo Arribas Jr.]

A mating ritual indeed! Thanks for sharing, Sylvia.

[Mark Jason Argallon]

i believe i have observed the same behavior with the zebra doves before. it's possibly a mating ritual.