Greenish-yellow is an eye-searing hue. If you wear a sweater of this shade, you may grasp the eyes of people around you. This color just shines in the way it’s supposed to be. What will happen if a dove puts on a greenish-yellow coat? Well, it will surely win the spotlight whenever they appear. Mother nature favored this flying creature, giving it a one-of-its-kind suit.

Golden fruit dove, yellow dove, or lemon dove is the name of this spectacular species. It is covered in iridescent greenish-yellow with streaked patterns. This green comes in different shades – greenish head, yellow fringes, orange-yellow belly, and green wings and tail.

Interestingly, this creature has a green bill and legs. The eyes are also pale yellow and surrounded by bluish-green bare skin.

Comparing with gorgeous males, the females of this dove are duller with dark green plumage. They also have a yellowish face and throat. Juveniles look similar the females.
The golden fruit dove is native to the islands of Viti Levu, Ovalau, Beqa, Ngau and Waya. They prefer living in open forests, gallery forests, and secondary growth. However, these doves can be found in mature rainforests with sparse undergrowth and tall trees. If you are lucky, you may also spot them near towns and villages.

These doves are closely related to the whistling fruit dove and orange fruit dove. However, they don’t share the same habitat in any location.

Currently, the population of these yellow doves is stable. They are listed as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List.

Regarding the breeding season of this species, it ranges from region to region. In Viti Levu, for instance, they breed from June to July. The female doves build a flimsy platform typical of Columbidae. This nest is made from twigs and vine tendrils and placed in a dense bush or tangle of a vine. They then lay 1 egg in their nest and incubate it until hatch.