Red-eyed Dove

The red-eyed dove, Streptopelia semitorquata, presents itself as a largish and stocky pigeon, measuring around 30 cm in length. Its plumage is a tapestry of pale brown across the back, wings, and tail, with a striking contrast of dark vinous-pink on the head and underparts, fading into a pale grey facade on the face. A distinctive black hind neck patch, neatly framed with white, adorns its nape, while the legs and a patch of bare skin encircling the eye boast a vivid red hue.

Identification Tips

When observing the red-eyed dove, look for the characteristic blackish flight feathers displayed during flight. Both sexes mirror each other in appearance, but the juveniles can be distinguished by their duller coloration and the scalloped pattern adorning their body feathers.

Habitat

This species is quite adaptable, making its home in a variety of habitats, save for deserts. It shows a preference for forests near rivers, where it can be seen foraging or resting.

Distribution

The red-eyed dove is a common sight throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, where it has established a widespread presence, avoiding only the arid expanses of the desert.

Behaviour

The red-eyed dove is known for its solitary or paired foraging habits, as opposed to forming large flocks. It constructs a simple stick nest within the branches of a tree, where it lays a clutch of two white eggs. In flight, it exhibits the typical pigeon pattern of regular beats interspersed with occasional sharp wing flicks.

Song & Calls

Its vocal repertoire consists of a loud and distinctive "doo-doo-du-du," a call that resonates through its habitat.

Diet and Feeding

A diet of grass seeds, grains, and other vegetation sustains the red-eyed dove, with much of its foraging taking place on the ground.

Conservation status

The red-eyed dove enjoys a status of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, reflecting its stable population numbers since 2004.

Similar Species

While similar in appearance to the Eurasian collared dove, the red-eyed dove can be differentiated by its unique coloration and the red patch of skin around its eye.