Tambourine dove

The tambourine dove is an enchanting pigeon species that inhabits the woodlands and dense vegetation of Africa. They can be spotted in regions ranging from Senegal to Ethiopia and Kenya, extending southward to South Africa. However, they generally avoid the arid areas of southwestern Africa but can be found on the Comoros Islands. These doves favor thick woodlands, gardens, and even plantations.

For nesting, tambourine doves construct their nests from sticks in thickets or tangled vines. They typically lay two cream-colored eggs. Both the male and female take turns incubating the eggs, though the female primarily undertakes this role. After approximately 13 days, the chicks hatch and are ready to fledge within another 13-14 days, receiving regurgitated food from their parents.

Physically, tambourine doves are small and plump, measuring around 22 cm in length. Males have a striking appearance with a white face marked by a black spot, white underparts, and a grey crown. Their wings and tail are pale grey-brown adorned with dark purple patches, and they boast purple-red eye rings and feet. Females have a more subdued look with grey-brown faces and breasts. Juveniles can be identified by the chestnut fringes on their feathers. When in flight, the doves reveal their chestnut-colored primary flight feathers and underwings.

These doves are recognizable by their distinctive call, a repetitive "du-du-du-du-du." Although they usually prefer solitude, they can occasionally be observed in family groups or mingling with lemon doves. Tambourine doves are ground foragers, seeking seeds, fruits, insects, and mollusks, with a particular fondness for castor oil plant seeds. Their flight is rapid and agile, typically staying low to the ground when startled.