Spotted Dove (Streptopelia chinensis)

Identification

28-32 cm. Pale brown back, wings and tail, heavily spotted with buff, blackish flight feathers bordered on the inner edge with pale grey. Pink head and underparts, pale grey on face and lower belly, black neck patch finely spotted with white. The legs are red. Sexes are similar, but juveniles are duller than adults often lacking the patchy neckband when very immature. The call is a low and gentle coo-coo-croo, with the emphasis on last note.

Distribution

Southern Asia from Nepal, India and Sri Lanka east to south China and Southeast Asia. It has been introduced to parts of the United States and Australia.

Taxonomy

Three subspecies are recognized

• S. c. suratensis
• S. c. chinensis
• S. c. tigrina

Sometimes placed in genus Spilopelia.

Habitat

Open woodland, farmland and habitation.

Behaviour

They are fairly terrestrial, foraging on the ground in grasslands and cultivation. It breeds all year round with stick nests commonly found in trees, edge of buildings or on the ground. 2 white, glossy eggs are laid.The diet includes grass seeds, grains and other vegetation.

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