Diamond Dove

The diamond dove, Geopelia cuneata, is a diminutive and delicate member of the Columbidae family, distinguished by its petite stature, typically measuring between 19 to 21 centimeters in length. This charming bird is one of the smallest pigeons found in Australia, comparable in size to the peaceful dove.

Identification Tips

Upon observing the diamond dove, one is struck by the exquisite white speckles adorning its wings, which are edged in black. Both sexes possess red eyes encircled by orange rings, though the male's eye-ring is more vibrant. The male also boasts a light blue-grey head, neck, and breast, while the female's plumage is tinged with brown and her eye-ring less pronounced. Their abdomens are creamy, and their backs and tails a muted brown-grey. The bill is a dark grey, and their legs and feet exhibit a delicate pink hue. Juveniles can be identified by their light grey bills, fawn-colored iris and eye-ring, grey feet and legs, and grey breasts, lacking the distinctive white wing spots of adults.

Habitat

The diamond dove favors environments that are lightly arid or semi-arid, often found in proximity to water sources. These birds are well-adapted to the Central, West, and Northern regions of Australia.

Distribution

While predominantly a resident of Australia's arid and semi-arid zones, the diamond dove can occasionally be spotted in the southern parts of the country, gracing parks and gardens, especially during periods when the central regions experience extreme dryness.

Behaviour

On the ground, the diamond dove exhibits a distinctive waddling gait, but once airborne, its flight is strong and direct, occasionally displaying an undulating pattern. A characteristic whistling "frrr" can be heard from their wings in flight. These doves are often seen in pairs or small groups, foraging on the ground for seeds, primarily from grasses, and occasionally consuming ants.

Song & Calls

The diamond dove communicates with a variety of calls that can be described as mournful, slow, and imbued with a soft, pleasant falsetto quality. Their vocal repertoire includes two long coos followed by a pause and then a sequence of a long, short, and long coo. At times, they may simply emit two long coos. When alarmed, they produce a series of short but loud coos.

Breeding

Breeding behavior in diamond doves is closely linked to rainfall, with a tendency to nest predominantly in the spring in Southern Australia. Their nests are crafted from interwoven grasses and twigs, and despite their fragile appearance, they serve the purpose well. Typically, two white eggs are laid and incubated over a period of 13 to 14 days. The chicks mature rapidly, becoming fully feathered and capable of flight within two weeks.

Similar Species

The diamond dove may be confused with the peaceful dove, which shares its small size, but can be distinguished by the unique white speckles on its wings and the coloration of the eye-ring.

Diet and Feeding

Primarily seed eaters, diamond doves forage on the ground, selecting seeds from grasses. They have also been known to include ants in their diet.

Conservation status

Australia

The diamond dove is not currently listed as threatened under the Australian Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

State of Victoria, Australia

In Victoria, the diamond dove is recognized as threatened under the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act (1988). However, an Action Statement for the recovery and future management of this species has yet to be prepared. The 2007 advisory list of threatened vertebrate fauna in Victoria classifies the diamond dove as near-threatened.