Laughing Dove

About

The Laughing Dove is a small, slender dove with a long tail, widely distributed across Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. It is known for its distinctive 'laughing' call and its adaptability to human-modified environments.

Size & lifespan

Length

25-27 cm

Wingspan

38-43 cm

Weight

80-170 g

Lifespan

Up to 10-12 years in the wild, though typically shorter.

Diet

Granivore (primarily seeds), but also consumes small insects, termites, and nectar.

Physical characteristics

Plumage

Overall plumage is a pale rufous-pink to vinous-pink on the head, neck, and underparts, fading to whitish on the belly. The back, wings, and rump are a dull brown to grey-brown. The most distinctive feature is a finely spotted, black-and-white or black-and-rufous 'necklace' or collar on the hindneck and sides of the neck. The primary flight feathers are dark brown, contrasting with the paler wing coverts. The outer tail feathers are tipped with white, visible in flight.

Beak shape

Slender, dark grey to blackish beak, relatively short.

Eye color

Dark brown, surrounded by a narrow, pale grey or whitish orbital ring.

Leg color

Dull reddish-purple to dark red.

Distinguishing features

The finely spotted 'necklace' on the hindneck is the most reliable field mark. Its small size, long tail, and characteristic call also aid identification.

Juvenile appearance

Juveniles are duller overall, with less distinct neck spotting, a greyer head, and a less prominent vinous wash. The neck spots may be absent or appear as faint dusky markings. The orbital ring may be less defined.

Seasonal changes

No significant seasonal plumage changes. Plumage may appear slightly brighter or duller depending on wear and tear.

Sexual dimorphism

Males and females are generally monomorphic in plumage, though males may be slightly larger and have a more intense vinous wash on the head and breast during breeding season.

How to identify

1. 1

   Size and Shape

   Look for a small, slender dove with a relatively long tail, smaller than most other doves in its range.

2. 2

   Neck Pattern

   The most distinctive feature is the finely spotted black-and-white or black-and-rufous 'necklace' on the hindneck and sides of the neck. This is unique among similar doves.

3. 3

   Plumage Color

   Note the pale rufous-pink to vinous-pink on the head, neck, and underparts, contrasting with the duller brown back and wings.

4. 4

   Tail Markings

   Observe the white tips on the outer tail feathers, especially visible when the bird takes flight or lands.

5. 5

   Vocalization

   Listen for its characteristic 'coo-coo-croo-coo' call, which sounds like a gentle, bubbling laugh. This is often the first clue to its presence.

Habitat & range

Biomes

Savannas, semi-deserts, scrublands, agricultural areas, urban and suburban environments.

Geographic range

Widespread across Africa (south of the Sahara), the Middle East, and parts of Asia (from Turkey to India and Sri Lanka). Introduced populations exist in Western Australia.

Elevation range

Sea level up to 2,000 meters, occasionally higher.

Preferred environments

Highly adaptable, preferring open woodlands, acacia scrub, cultivated lands, gardens, parks, and human settlements. They thrive in areas with scattered trees and shrubs for roosting and nesting, and open ground for foraging.

Behavior

Activity time

Diurnal, most active during early morning and late afternoon.

Feeding habits

Primarily ground feeders, foraging for seeds of grasses, weeds, and cultivated crops. They also consume fallen berries, small fruits, and occasionally small invertebrates like termites or ants, especially during breeding season. They drink water regularly, often at specific times of the day.

Social behavior

Typically seen singly, in pairs, or in small flocks. Larger flocks can form at abundant food sources or communal roosts. They are generally tame and accustomed to human presence in urban areas.

Flight pattern

Direct and swift flight with rapid wingbeats. When flushed, they often fly low to the ground before rising to perch in a tree. They can perform aerial displays during courtship.

Migration pattern

Mostly resident throughout its range, though some localized movements may occur in response to food availability or drought conditions. Populations in arid regions may be nomadic.

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 year-round in tropical regions with peaks during or after rainy seasons. In temperate zones, typically spring and summer.

Nesting habits

Nests are typically flimsy platforms of twigs, roots, and grass, often placed in thorny bushes, small trees, or even on buildings and window ledges. Both parents participate in nest building.

Clutch size

1-2 eggs, most commonly 2.

Egg description

Usually 2 white, elliptical eggs, smooth and glossy.

Incubation period

Approximately 12-14 days.

Fledging period

Chicks fledge around 11-14 days after hatching.

Parental care

Both parents share incubation duties and feed the young 'crop milk' (pigeon milk) initially, transitioning to regurgitated seeds as the chicks grow.

Where to find

Field tips

1. Listen for the Call. Their distinctive 'laughing' call is often heard before the bird is seen. Learn to recognize it.
2. Check Ground and Low Perches. They are primarily ground feeders but will perch on low branches, fences, wires, and buildings.
3. Visit Water Sources. In dry areas, observing water sources in the morning or late afternoon can be very productive.
4. Look in Gardens. They are common visitors to bird feeders and gardens, especially those with scattered seeds.

Similar species

Quick facts

Common Name:

Laughing Dove

Scientific Name:

Streptopelia senegalensis

Family:

Columbidae

Conservation Status:

Least Concern

Diet:

Granivore (seeds, grains), some insects

Habitat:

Open woodlands, scrub, urban areas, agricultural lands

Key ID Feature:

Spotted 'necklace' on hindneck

Fun facts

• The 'laughing' sound in its call is one of the most recognizable bird calls in its range.
• Laughing Doves are highly adaptable and have successfully colonized many urban environments, often nesting on human structures.
• Like other doves and pigeons, they produce 'crop milk' to feed their young, a nutritious secretion from the lining of their crop.
• They are often seen dust-bathing in dry soil, which helps to maintain their plumage and remove parasites.

Scientific classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Aves

Order

Columbiformes

Family

Columbidae

Genus

Streptopelia

Species

Streptopelia senegalensis

Explore the Laughing Dove