The Pale-vented Pigeon is mainly a bird of forest borders and is usually to be seen perched fairly conspicuously on trees as in photo 1. Fortunately, it occasionally comes down to puddles to drink as in photos 2 to 4.

Its grey head and rump contrast with the rusty red on its neck and shoulders. Its belly and undertail coverts are grey, its iris, eye-ring and legs are reddish.