The emerald-spotted wood dove is a small plump pigeon, typically 20 cm in length.

When flying, the black-billed wood dove is told from this species by its bright chestnut underwings.

This species shows some geographical variation in plumage, but differences are clinal, and emerald-spotted wood dove is now considered to be monotypic.

The emerald-spotted wood dove builds a flimsy stick nest in a tree or shrub, and lays two cream-coloured eggs.

The emerald-spotted wood dove is not gregarious, but flocks may form at waterholes.