Shy brown dove of forests with dense understory. Wings and tail are dark brown, and the rest of the body is closer to tan. Males are boldly barred on the chest, and both sexes have a bronzy-green tinge to the nape. Seldom seen out in the open, this species is quick to flee when approached, flying strongly and quickly through dense vegetation. Appears longer-tailed than Spotted Dove and Turtle Dove, both when in flight and on the ground.