Spotted Dove

The Spotted Dove, known scientifically as Spilopelia chinensis, is a small, long-tailed pigeon that graces the Indian subcontinent and parts of East and Southeast Asia with its presence. This bird, with its gentle buff brown plumage and distinctive white-spotted black collar patch, is a familiar sight in many urban and rural landscapes. The tail tips are a contrasting white, and the wing coverts are adorned with light buff spots, adding to its delicate appearance.

Identification Tips

To identify the Spotted Dove, look for the unique black collar on the back and sides of the neck, which features white spots. The bird's underparts are a rosy buff that transitions to grey on the head and belly. Both sexes are similar in appearance, but juveniles can be distinguished by their duller coloration and lack of neck spots until maturity. The length of these doves ranges from 28 to 32 centimeters.

Habitat

The Spotted Dove thrives in a variety of environments, including light forests, gardens, and urban areas. It has a preference for the ground, where it forages for seeds, or low vegetation.

Distribution

Native to Asia, the Spotted Dove has spread its wings far and wide, establishing feral populations across the globe, including Hawaii, southern California, Mauritius, Australia, and New Zealand.

Behaviour

These doves are sociable creatures, often seen in pairs or small groups. They exhibit a quick, fluttering flight from the ground and may glide gracefully to a perch. During the breeding season, males engage in cooing and aerial displays to court females.

Song & Calls

The Spotted Dove's call is a soft cooing, consisting of a "Krookruk-krukroo… kroo kroo kroo," with variations in the number of terminal 'kroos' depending on the population.

Breeding

The breeding season varies with climate, occurring in summer in temperate zones and throughout the year in warmer regions. Nests are often built in low vegetation, and both parents participate in nest building, incubation, and feeding of the young. The eggs hatch after about 13 days, with fledging occurring two weeks later.

Similar Species

The Spotted Dove may be confused with other dove species, but its distinctive neck spots and tail pattern usually allow for accurate identification.

Diet and Feeding

Primarily seed-eaters, Spotted Doves forage on the ground for grass seeds, grains, and occasionally insects, such as winged termites.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List currently classifies the Spotted Dove as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without significant threats at this time.