Asian Dwarf Turtle Dove (Streptopelia Tranquebarica)

History

These are sometimes also known as the Red Collared Dove or Red Turtle Doves. They have a reddish wine colour to their backs and wings with a bluish grey head and belly and a black ring that circles its neck; the feet are a deep red. Flight feathers are dark brown/grey, however females lack the red and have grey/brown flight feathers. These smallish, seed eating doves are between 20 - 23cm long and quite tolerant of cold weather; they thrive in flight cages. Native to parts of Asia, Thailand and India, similar species are also found in Northern Africa and Europe.

They make their nests from twigs in small saucer shaped hollows, high up in trees or bushes and both parents look after the young. Two eggs are usually laid and they can produce several broods per year. Incubation is around 15+ days.

Behaviour

The Red collared dove lives in open countryside near woods and fields. It feeds mainly on young shoots and grain that it finds on the floor. They are mostly ground feeders.

Breed Details

• Status: Rare
• Life Expectancy: up to 15 years