Tambourine Dove

The Tambourine Dove, Turtur tympanistria, presents itself as a small and plump pigeon, measuring an average of 22 cm in length. The male is distinguished by its white face adorned with a conspicuous black spot behind the eye and a grey crown, while its underparts remain a pristine white. The back, hind neck, wings, and tail exhibit a pale grey-brown hue, with the folded wings revealing striking dark purple patches. The under tail is a shade of brown, and the bird's eye ring and feet are of a purple-red coloration, complemented by a purple bill.

Identification Tips

To identify the Tambourine Dove, look for the male's white face with a black eye spot and the female's more subdued coloration, with only the belly being white. The juvenile resembles the female but can be recognized by the chestnut fringes on the feathers of the back, breast, and flanks. In flight, the chestnut primary flight feathers and under wings are key identification features.

Habitat

This species thrives in thick woodlands, including dense gardens and plantations, favoring environments rich in castor oil, cocoa, and rubber plants.

Distribution

The Tambourine Dove is a widespread resident across Africa south of the Sahara Desert, with its range stretching from Senegal to Ethiopia and Kenya, and further south through eastern Africa to south-eastern South Africa. It is notably absent from the drier regions of south-western Africa, but a population exists on the Comoros Islands.

Behaviour

The Tambourine Dove is typically a solitary bird, occasionally seen in family groups or alongside lemon doves. It is quite terrestrial, often foraging on the ground. Its flight is characterized as fast and agile, with a tendency to remain low when flushed.

Song & Calls

The bird's vocalization is a persistent and rhythmic du-du-du-du-du, a call that can often be heard repeated in its natural habitat.

Breeding

Both sexes partake in incubation duties, with the female primarily responsible. The dove constructs a frail stick nest low in thickets or vine tangles, laying two cream-colored eggs. The eggs hatch in 13 days, and the chicks fledge after another 13–14 days, nourished by regurgitated food.

Similar Species

While similar to other small African doves, the Tambourine Dove can be distinguished by its paler underparts.

Diet and Feeding

The Tambourine Dove has a diet consisting mainly of seeds and small fruits, showing a particular fondness for the seeds of the castor oil plant. It may also consume small insects and molluscs on occasion.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Tambourine Dove as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without significant threats at present.