Golden fruit dove (Ptilinopus luteovirens), often known as the golden, lemon, or yellow dove, is a lovely Columbidae bird. This short-tailed fruit-dove is 20 cm (8 in) long. The males’ bright golden-yellow color makes them stand out, hence the common name.

The male golden fruit dove’s elongated form and hair-like texture make their body feathers almost iridescent. The male’s head is significantly less bright, with a greenish tint that complements the gold. These birds have whitish irises, bluish-green beak, orbital skin, and legs, and brilliant plumage. Their bright yellow underwings and tail coverts complete their appearance.

The female golden fruit dove has dark green plumage that provides great camouflage in its natural habitat. The female’s beak, orbital skin, and legs resemble the male’s despite the color difference. Golden fruit dove juveniles are dark green like females until they develop.

This species is a stunning example of bird beauty and sexual dimorphism, with male and female plumage differences helping identify and appreciate them in the wild.

The body feathers of the male golden fruit dove are almost iridescent, a quality achieved through their elongated shape and hair-like texture, which creates a shimmering effect. The head of the male is slightly less vivid, displaying a subtle greenish tinge that complements the overall golden hue. In addition to their dazzling plumage, these birds have bluish-green bills, orbital skin, and legs, while their irises are whitish. The underwings and tail coverts are also a striking yellow, completing their vivid appearance.