Zebra Dove

Overview

The zebra dove (Geopelia striata), also known as the barred ground dove, is a small bird native to Southeast Asia. It is a species within the dove family, Columbidae, and is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Small and slender bird, 20–23 cm in length, with a long, narrow tail.
• Predominantly brownish-grey upperparts with distinctive black-and-white barring.
• Pinkish underparts with black bars on the sides of the neck, breast, and belly; blue-grey face with bare blue skin around the eyes.
• Produces a series of soft, staccato cooing notes.

Habitat

Native to Southeast Asia, ranging from Southern Thailand through Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore to the Indonesian islands of Sumatra and Java, with possible presence in other nearby islands. It inhabits scrub, farmland, open country, parks, and gardens in lowland areas. Populations have also established outside its native range due to escaped or released captive birds, including in Hawaii, the Seychelles, and Mauritius.

Diet

Feeds primarily on small grass and weed seeds, supplemented by insects and other small invertebrates. It forages on bare ground, short grass, or roads, scurrying with rodent-like movement. Unlike other doves, it forages alone or in pairs.

Did you know?

In Thailand and Indonesia, the zebra dove is popular as a pet, and cooing competitions are held to find the bird with the best voice.