At close range the dark bill and green wing spots distinguish this species from Blue-spotted Wood-dove. It normally avoids the evergreen forests frequented by the latter.
Juvenile is paler than adult.
Woodland and savanna.
One of the most characteristic calls of the bushveld: A series of low 'du-du-du-du' notes, which descend in scale and quicken towards the end; higher pitched than the calls of Blue-spotted Wood-dove and Tambourine Dove.