African Collared Dove

Overview

The African collared dove (Streptopelia roseogrisea) is a small dove found in the Sahel, northern parts of the Horn of Africa, and southwestern Arabia. Classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, it is notably the wild ancestor of the domestic Barbary dove.

Identification

• Approximately 26 cm in length, with a weight range of 130–166 g.
• Upper body is pale greyish brown with a bluish tinge on the wing edges; flight feathers are darker and nearly black.
• Head, neck, and breast display pinkish shades that transition to white on the chin and belly.
• No sexual dimorphism is present between males and females.

Habitat

This species inhabits arid lands in the Sahel, the northern Horn of Africa, and southwestern Arabia, though it is specifically found around water sources. Two subspecies are recognised, with Streptopelia roseogrisea roseogrisea found across the Sahel and Streptopelia roseogrisea arabica found in northeast Sudan, Eritrea, Somalia, and southwestern Arabia.

Diet

The African collared dove primarily feeds on grass seeds and other plants. It also consumes berries, insects, and snails.

Did you know?

The African collared dove is the wild ancestor of the domestic Barbary dove, and the increase in colour variety among Barbary doves in the later 20th century is thought to result from the importation of African collared doves into the United States for interbreeding.