Peaceful Dove

Overview

The Geopelia placida, or peaceful dove, is a small pigeon native to Australia and New Guinea. It is closely related to the zebra dove and the barred dove, with which it was previously classified as a single species.

Identification

• A relatively small pigeon measuring 19 to 21 cm in length with a pink-grey breast.
• Wings are chequered grey-brown, while thin black striations appear around the neck, nape, and down the back.
• Features a greyish-white eye surrounded by a blue-grey ring that tapers to the beak.
• Calls include high-pitched "doodle-doo", "co-co-coo", and "croorrr!" sounds.

Habitat

Found across most of Australia, excluding Tasmania, southern Victoria, and south-western Australia, as well as parts of New Guinea. It inhabits scrublands, woodlands, watercourses, railyards, rainforest edges, and urban areas like streets and gardens. The species is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Diet

This species feeds off the ground, commonly foraging in open areas such as streets, gardens, and railyards. When not foraging on the ground, they are often found roosting in trees.

Did you know?

Although usually peaceful, these doves become very aggressive towards other birds during the breeding season. They also produce a distinct flushing "frrr" noise with their wings when flying in a rapid, undulating motion.