|
|
|
Useful Links |
European Turtle-Dove | Streptopelia turtur
The European Turtle-Dove is a Southern African bird that belongs to the Columbidae bird family group which includes birds such as Pigeons, Doves. The description for the European Turtle-Dove (Latin name Streptopelia turtur) can be found in the 7th Edition of the Roberts Birds of Southern Africa. The Streptopelia turtur can be quickly identified by its unique Roberts identification number of 919 and the detailed description of this bird is on page 281. You will find a picture of the European Turtle-Dove on page 273. NOTE: The reference for the information following is "Roberts Birds of Southern Africa", 7th Edition*. This edition contained a number of taxonomic changes as well as changes to English names used traditionally and in earlier editions of most bird books in South Africa. The following paragraph notes such changes if any. This bird is known as Eurasian Turtle-Dove in the Roberts 6th Edition. There have been no changes in the Latin name for the European Turtle-Dove between the Roberts 6th and Roberts 7th Edition The European Turtle-Dove has a height of 28 cms and weighs around 140 gms. The head is coloured black, white while the bill is coloured black. The Streptopelia turtur has a brown coloured throat, grey legs and a brown coloured back. The eyes are yellow. Take note of the main distinguishing features such as colour, size and leg length relative to the body size. Colours of body parts can be helpful. Be aware what may appear brown to one person is described in Roberts using some other word ... for example brown, black. See colours used in Roberts. Head is black, white Eyes are yellow Bill is black Legs are grey Throat is brown Back is brown Feeding Habits ...This bird forages for food on the ground Breeding, Habitat and Nesting Habits ...The European Turtle-Dove is mainly found in light and densely wooded forests, where there are Mopane trees. The bird is an urban dweller as well, being at home in parks, gardens and in old vacated buildings Seen in Flocks, Singles or Pairs Normally ...The European Turtle-Dove is mainly seen singly or in pairs in the wild. |
