African Mourning Dove

About

The African Mourning Dove is a medium-sized dove widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa. It is characterized by its distinctive black neck patch, pale plumage, and mournful cooing call. It is often found in open woodlands, savannas, and cultivated areas, frequently near water sources.

Size & lifespan

Length

28-31 cm

Wingspan

45-50 cm

Weight

140-200 g

Lifespan

Approximately 5-7 years in the wild

Diet

Granivore (primarily seeds, some small invertebrates)

Physical characteristics

Plumage

Overall pale grey-brown plumage, with a pinkish wash on the breast and belly. The head is grey, fading to a paler grey on the throat. A prominent black patch with a white border is present on the sides of the neck. The back and wings are grey-brown, with darker primary flight feathers. The undertail coverts are white. The tail is relatively long, with white tips on the outer tail feathers, visible in flight.

Beak shape

Slender, dark grey to blackish beak with a reddish base.

Eye color

Yellow to orange-red, surrounded by a bare, purplish-red orbital ring.

Leg color

Red to purplish-red.

Distinguishing features

The most distinctive feature is the black neck patch bordered with white. The pale grey head, pinkish breast, and red orbital ring are also key identifiers. In flight, the white tips on the outer tail feathers are noticeable.

Juvenile appearance

Juveniles are duller than adults, lacking the distinct black neck patch, which develops with maturity. Their plumage is more uniformly brownish-grey, and the orbital ring is less vibrant, often greyish.

Seasonal changes

No significant seasonal plumage changes. The intensity of the pinkish wash on the breast might be slightly more pronounced in breeding males.

Sexual dimorphism

Males and females are generally similar in plumage, though males may be slightly larger and have a more intense pinkish wash on the breast during breeding season. The neck patch is equally prominent in both sexes.

How to identify

1. 1

   Neck Patch

   Look for the prominent black patch on the sides of the neck, bordered with white. This is the most reliable field mark.

2. 2

   Plumage Coloration

   Note the overall pale grey-brown body, grey head, and pinkish wash on the breast. This combination helps distinguish it from darker doves.

3. 3

   Eye and Orbital Ring

   Observe the yellow to orange-red eye and the bare, purplish-red skin around it.

4. 4

   Tail Pattern in Flight

   When the bird flies, look for the white tips on the outer tail feathers, which contrast with the darker central tail.

5. 5

   Vocalization

   Listen for its characteristic mournful, descending cooing call, 'coo-COO-coo-coo-coo'.

Habitat & range

Biomes

Savanna, open woodland, scrubland, cultivated areas, riparian zones.

Geographic range

Widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal and Mauritania east to Ethiopia and Somalia, and south to Angola, northern Namibia, Botswana, and northern South Africa.

Elevation range

Typically found from sea level up to 2,000 meters, occasionally higher.

Preferred environments

Favors areas with scattered trees, bushes, and open ground for foraging, especially near water sources such as rivers, lakes, and watering holes. Often found in human-modified landscapes like farmlands and gardens.

Behavior

Activity time

Diurnal, most active during the early morning and late afternoon.

Feeding habits

Primarily ground feeders, foraging for seeds of grasses, herbs, and cultivated crops. They will also consume fallen fruits, berries, and occasionally small invertebrates like termites. They drink frequently, often congregating at water sources in the morning and late afternoon.

Social behavior

Usually seen in pairs or small flocks, but can gather in large numbers at abundant food sources or watering holes. They are generally gregarious.

Flight pattern

Strong, direct, and swift flight with rapid wingbeats. Often glides on stiff wings for short distances. When flushed, they fly off with a characteristic clatter of wings.

Migration pattern

Mostly resident throughout its range, but some local movements may occur in response to food availability or water scarcity, particularly in arid regions. Not considered a long-distance migrant.

Territoriality

Males establish and defend small breeding territories, primarily through vocalizations and display flights. Outside the breeding season, they are less territorial.

Breeding & reproduction

Breeding season

Varies geographically, often coinciding with the rainy season or periods of abundant food. Can breed almost year-round in some areas with favorable conditions, but typically peaks from March to October in West Africa and September to April in Southern Africa.

Nesting habits

Nests are typically flimsy platforms of twigs, placed in trees or bushes, usually 2-5 meters above the ground. Both parents participate in nest construction.

Clutch size

Typically 2 eggs.

Egg description

Usually two white, elliptical eggs.

Incubation period

Approximately 14-16 days.

Fledging period

Young leave the nest after about 13-16 days, but remain dependent on parents for a short period thereafter.

Parental care

Both parents share incubation duties and care for the young, feeding them 'crop milk' initially, then regurgitated seeds.

Where to find

Field tips

1. Listen for the Call. Its distinctive mournful cooing is often heard before the bird is seen. Learn to recognize this call.
2. Check Water Sources. Visit watering holes or riverbanks in the early morning or late afternoon, as they frequently come to drink.
3. Scan Open Ground. They are primarily ground feeders, so look for them foraging on open ground, especially under trees or near cultivated fields.
4. Look in Trees and Bushes. While they feed on the ground, they often perch in trees or bushes, especially during the hotter parts of the day or when resting.

Similar species

Quick facts

Diet:

Mainly seeds

Habitat:

Savannas, open woodlands, cultivated areas, near water

Conservation Status:

Least Concern

Distinguishing Feature:

Black neck patch with white border

Call:

Mournful, descending cooing

Fun facts

• The 'mourning' in its name refers to its characteristic sad-sounding cooing call.
• Like other doves, they produce 'crop milk' to feed their young, a highly nutritious secretion from the lining of their crop.
• They are highly adaptable and have successfully colonized human-modified landscapes, benefiting from agricultural practices.
• Despite their common name, they are not closely related to the North American Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura), though both belong to the pigeon and dove family (Columbidae).

Scientific classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Aves

Order

Columbiformes

Family

Columbidae

Genus

Streptopelia

Species

Streptopelia decipiens

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