Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)

All About The Robin

Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur)

February 24, 2021

Turtle Dove Facts

Scientific name: Streptopelia turtur

Family: Pigeons and doves (Columbidae)

Wingspan: 49 - 55cm (19 1/2 - 22")

Diet: Seeds form a large part of the turtle dove's diet

Feed with: turtle dove love to feed on seed. We recommend niger seed.

Habitat: Can be located in hedgerows, woodland and scattered bushes. The turtle dove's habitat is mainly southern England.

Lifespan: 2 Years

Turtle Dove Characteristics

THE TURTLES DOVE IS smaller and slightly darker than the collared dove. It features a pinkish throat and breast with a white mark on the neck.

THE EVOCATIVE, PURRING SOUND of the turtle dove is a sure sign of summer, and this sultry tone is often a sign that summer is here. Listen to the sound in the audio payer below.

Turtle Dove Breeding & Nesting

TURTLE DOVES BEGIN BREEDING IN APRIL-MAY and produce oval-shaped eggs that are smooth and shiny, the incubation period of which lasts between 13 - 14 days. The duty of incubation is shared between the male and female, both of whom contribute to the feeding of the young once hatched.

Similar to collared doves, turtle doves' nests are a flimsy affair, made of a rough collection of twigs.

Turtle Dove Feeding

THE TURTLE DOVE FEEDS ON FRUIT and small seeds from flowers such as the buttercup and chickweed. IN THE GARDEN, they will readily take niger seed.

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