Red-eyed Dove

About

The Red-eyed Dove is a widespread and common species of dove found across much of sub-Saharan Africa. It is a relatively large, robust dove characterized by its distinctive red eyes and a black half-collar on the hindneck. It is often found in a variety of wooded habitats, including forests, woodlands, savannas, and cultivated areas, frequently near human settlements.

Size & lifespan

Length

30-35 cm

Wingspan

50-56 cm

Weight

150-250 g

Lifespan

Up to 10 years in the wild

Diet

Granivore (primarily seeds, grains, and some fruits)

Physical characteristics

Plumage

Adults have a grey head, neck, and underparts, often with a pinkish wash on the breast. The back, wings, and tail are brownish-grey. A prominent black half-collar, edged with white, is present on the hindneck. The primary flight feathers are darker, almost blackish. The undertail coverts are white.

Beak shape

Slender, dark grey to blackish beak with a slightly swollen cere.

Eye color

Bright red iris, giving the bird its common name.

Leg color

Red to purplish-red

Distinguishing features

The bright red eyes and the black half-collar on the hindneck are the most distinctive features. Its size is also larger than many other doves in its range.

Juvenile appearance

Juveniles are duller than adults, with a browner overall plumage and a less distinct or absent black half-collar. Their eyes are typically duller, often brownish, and gradually turn red with maturity.

Seasonal changes

No significant seasonal plumage changes. Plumage remains consistent throughout the year.

Sexual dimorphism

Males and females are generally monomorphic in plumage, appearing very similar. Males may be slightly larger on average, but this is not a reliable field mark.

How to identify

1. 1

   Eye Color

   Look for the striking bright red iris, which is a key diagnostic feature and gives the bird its name.

2. 2

   Neck Collar

   Observe the prominent black half-collar on the hindneck, which is bordered by a thin white line.

3. 3

   Size and Build

   Note its relatively large and robust size compared to other doves in its range.

4. 4

   Vocalization

   Listen for its characteristic deep, resonant 'coo-coo-COO-coo' call, with the emphasized third note.

5. 5

   Plumage Coloration

   Identify the grey head and underparts with a pinkish wash on the breast, contrasting with brownish-grey back and wings.

Habitat & range

Biomes

Forests, woodlands, savannas, riparian thickets, cultivated lands, suburban gardens, and urban parks.

Geographic range

Widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal and Gambia in the west, east to Ethiopia and Somalia, and south to South Africa.

Elevation range

Sea level up to approximately 2,000 meters (6,500 feet), occasionally higher.

Preferred environments

Prefers areas with scattered trees, dense bush, or woodland edges, often close to water sources. It adapts well to human-modified landscapes, including agricultural fields and urban areas with suitable vegetation.

Behavior

Activity time

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

Feeding habits

Primarily ground feeders, foraging for seeds, fallen grains, and small fruits. They will also consume insects opportunistically. They often feed in open areas, sometimes in small flocks, but retreat to cover if disturbed.

Social behavior

Often seen singly, in pairs, or in small flocks. Larger congregations can form at abundant food sources or communal roosts. They are generally not highly social outside of breeding pairs.

Flight pattern

Strong, direct flight with rapid wingbeats, typical of doves. Can be quite fast when startled.

Migration pattern

Mostly resident throughout its range, though some local movements may occur in response to food availability or water scarcity, particularly in arid regions. Not considered a migratory species.

Territoriality

Breeding pairs establish and defend a small territory around the nest site. Males perform display flights and vocalizations to attract mates and defend territory.

Breeding & reproduction

Breeding season

Varies geographically, but generally throughout the year with peaks during the rainy seasons when food is abundant. For example, in South Africa, it's mainly September-April; in East Africa, it often coincides with rainfall.

Nesting habits

Nests are typically flimsy platforms of twigs, built by both sexes, usually placed in a tree or shrub, often 2-10 meters above the ground. They may reuse old nests of other birds.

Clutch size

1-2 eggs

Egg description

Usually 1-2 (rarely 3) plain white, elliptical eggs.

Incubation period

Approximately 14-16 days, incubated by both parents.

Fledging period

Chicks fledge around 14-18 days after hatching. They are fed 'crop milk' by both parents.

Parental care

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

Where to find

Field tips

1. Listen for their call. Their distinctive deep cooing call is often the first indication of their presence, especially in dense foliage.
2. Check the ground. They are primarily ground feeders, so scan open patches of ground under trees or near cultivated fields.
3. Look near water. Like many doves, they need to drink regularly, so check near rivers, ponds, and bird baths.
4. Observe at dawn and dusk. They are most active and vocal during the early morning and late afternoon.

Similar species

Quick facts

Scientific Name:

Streptopelia semitorquata

Conservation Status:

Least Concern

Diet:

Seeds, grains, some fruits

Habitat:

Woodlands, savannas, cultivated areas, urban gardens

Eye Color:

Bright Red

Distinctive Feature:

Black half-collar on hindneck

Fun facts

• The Red-eyed Dove's call is a quintessential sound of the African bush, often heard echoing through woodlands.
• Like other doves, they produce 'crop milk' to feed their young, a nutritious secretion from the lining of their crop.
• Despite their relatively large size, their nests are often quite flimsy, sometimes allowing eggs to be seen through the bottom.
• They are known to be quite tame in areas where they are accustomed to human presence, often foraging close to people.

Scientific classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Aves

Order

Columbiformes

Family

Columbidae

Genus

Streptopelia

Species

Streptopelia semitorquata

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