Mourning collared dove

The mourning collared dove, also known as the African mourning dove, is a common sight throughout Africa south of the Sahara. Despite sharing part of its name with the North American mourning dove, it is actually a distinct species. These doves often inhabit areas near water and coexist harmoniously with other dove species.

Description:

The mourning collared dove is a robust pigeon, approximately 31 cm in length. It features a pale brown back, wings, and tail, complemented by a grey head and pinkish underparts that transition to pale grey on the belly. One of its distinguishing characteristics is a black patch on the back of its neck, bordered in white. Additionally, it has red legs and a patch of bare red skin surrounding the eyes. In flight, the blackish flight feathers and prominent white in the tail set it apart from the larger red-eyed dove. Its call is a rapid "krrrrrrrr, oo-OO, oo." Both males and females exhibit similar plumage, although juveniles are duller with a scalloped pattern on their feathers.

Behavior:

These doves are agile fliers with consistent wingbeats interspersed with occasional sharp flicks, a trait typical of pigeons.

Diet and Feeding:

Mourning collared doves primarily consume grass seeds, grains, and other plant materials. They forage on the ground and are quite gregarious, often feeding in groups.

Reproduction:

During the breeding season, these doves construct stick nests in trees, with a preference for mangroves. Typically, they lay two white eggs per clutch.