Red-eyed Dove

Overview

The red-eyed dove (Streptopelia semitorquata) is a common and widespread bird found across Sub-Saharan Africa. It is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List and represents the largest of the 'ringneck' species of dove.

Identification

• Pale bluish-grey forehead transitioning to a darker crown, with a dark mauve-pink to wine-red neck, breast, and underparts.
• Distinctive black half-collar on the neck that is indistinct and restricted to the sides.
• Greyish-brown upperparts with black primaries and dark slaty blue outer wing-coverts.
• Approximately 30 cm in length, with a black bill, purplish-red legs, and purplish-red orbital skin.

Habitat

The species is distributed throughout most of Sub-Saharan Africa, excluding desert zones. It is a common inhabitant of forests near rivers and other non-desert habitats.

Diet

They typically feed alone or in pairs, as they are not particularly gregarious. Specific dietary items are not detailed in the provided text.

Did you know?

The species is the largest of the 'ringneck' species of dove, with individuals in the Ethiopian Highlands being larger than those found in West Africa and coastal Kenya.