How to identify the African Mourning Dove

To correctly identify the African Mourning Dove (Streptopelia decipiens), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

28-31 cm

Wingspan

45-50 cm

Weight

140-200 g

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   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.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

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

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

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

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Red to purplish-red.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   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.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   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.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

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

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   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.

Key field marks

• Neck Patch. Look for the prominent black patch on the sides of the neck, bordered with white. This is the most reliable field mark.
• 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.
• Eye and Orbital Ring. Observe the yellow to orange-red eye and the bare, purplish-red skin around it.
• 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.
• Vocalization. Listen for its characteristic mournful, descending cooing call, 'coo-COO-coo-coo-coo'.

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