DovesAfrican Collared-DoveStreptopelia roseogrisea
- ORDER: Columbiformes
- FAMILY: Columbidae
Basic Description
The African Collared-Dove is rarely seen as a wild bird in North America, and it is difficult to distinguish from the Eurasian Collared-Dove. Birds that are seen are often escaped pets and are often called Ringed Turtle-Doves, a form of African Collared-Dove that has been domesticated for centuries. These birds frequently escape from captivity, and feral populations have become established in some cities in the southern United States.
More ID InfoOther Names
- Tórtola Rosigrís (Spanish)
- Tourterelle rieuse (French)
- Cool Facts
- The Ringed Turtle-Dove seems to have had the fear of large, strange, or moving creatures bred out of it more than any other domesticated bird, and individuals are readily made hand-tame. The recognition of predatory birds remains, however, and it shows standard hawk-escaping dove behavior. One common response to a hawk is to "freeze" motionless. This behavior undoubtedly worked well with its normal, darker plumage in its natural habitat, but the pale domesticated form stands out conspicuously against green lawns.