Spotted Dove
(Spilopelia chinensis) - Asia and Australia
Photo by
Elsemargriet
Overview
Biology
Lifecycle: Spotted Doves are known for their gentle and melodic cooing calls. They form monogamous pairs during the breeding season and build small, flimsy nests in trees.
Behavior: They are often seen perched in trees or on the ground, foraging for food. They are generally ground-dwelling birds.
Vocalizations: Spotted Doves produce a gentle, repetitive cooing call, which is often heard in the early morning and late afternoon.
Food
Diet: Spotted Doves are primarily seed eaters, feeding on a variety of seeds, grains, and small fruits. They are also known to consume insects and small invertebrates.
Feeding Behavior: They forage for food on the ground, often searching for seeds and grains. They are also attracted to bird feeders where they can find seeds.
The Spotted Dove is a bird species native to Asia and parts of the Indian subcontinent. It is known for its gentle cooing calls and distinctive spotted plumage, making it a common and well-recognized bird in its range.
Description
Size: Spotted Doves are small to medium-sized birds, typically measuring about 28 to 32 cm (11 to 12.5 inches) in length.
Appearance: They have a soft, pale brown plumage with numerous small, dark spots on their wings and back. Their eyes are surrounded by a thin, bluish ring, and they have a reddish-brown eye patch. Their bill is slender and dark.
Habitat
Spotted Doves can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, urban areas, gardens, and agricultural landscapes. They are adaptable and can thrive in both natural and human-altered environments.
Nests: They build simple nests in trees and shrubs, typically using twigs and grass.