The dove species that is characterized by having a distinct black stripe or marking on the neck is known as the Ringed Turtle Dove (Streptopelia risoria). This medium-sized dove belongs to the Columbidae family and is found widely distributed across southern Europe, Africa, and Asia. Some key facts about the Ringed Turtle Dove:
Quick Facts
- Scientific Name: Streptopelia risoria
- Other Common Names: European Turtle Dove, Eurasian Collared-Dove
- Identifying Features: Pale brownish-grey plumage, black half collar on nape of neck, spotted black and white square tail
- Length: 28-30 cm (11-12 inches)
- Diet: Seeds, grains, shoots, fruits
- Habitat: Open woodlands, scrublands, semi-arid regions, farmlands, parks, gardens
- Range: Europe, north Africa, central and southern Asia
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
The most distinctive feature of the Ringed Turtle Dove is the black stripe or crescent marking on the back of its neck. This is how it derives its common name, due to the collar-like pattern. The black neck marking is neatly defined against the pale greyish-brown plumage on the rest of the neck and head.
The stripe starts behind the dove’s eye and extends in a curve towards the lower neck and upper back. It ends in a triangular point between the wings. The sharply demarcated black neck collar is present on both males and females and also on juvenile birds.
Description
In addition to the indicative black semi-collar on the nape, Ringed Turtle Doves have other defining features:
- Coloration: Base color is pale greyish or sandy brown. Head, neck, breast and belly are light greyish-brown. Back and wings are browner. Tail has black and white square markings. Bill is black, eyes are yellowish-red, and legs are red.
- Size: A medium-sized dove, it measures 28-30 cm (11-12 inches) from head to tail. Wing span is 47-55 cm (18-22 inches). Weight: 92-188 g (3.2-6.6 oz).
- Shape: Plump body shape with a short neck and small head. Tail is long and tapered. Wings are broad, rounded and curved.
The Ringed Turtle Dove gets its scientific name Streptopelia from the Greek words for “collar” and “dove”, referring to the distinctive neck markings. It has a loud, melodious cooing “turr turr” call, used to establish territory and attract mates. In flight, the broad rounded wings make a clattering sound.
Range and Habitat
Ringed Turtle Doves have an extremely widespread distribution across:
- Europe: Found widely across southern and central Europe including Spain, Italy, Greece, France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, Croatia etc.
- Africa: Northern and sub-Saharan Africa from Morocco and Tunisia to Senegal and Ethiopia south until South Africa.
- Asia: Turkey, Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, China, Southeast Asia, Indonesia.
They occupy a diverse range of open and semi-open habitats including:
- Woodlands
- Scrublands
- Semi-arid deserts and grasslands
- Farmlands
- Rural gardens, parks and agricultural areas
- Urban areas with trees and greenery
Ringed Turtle Doves are absent in colder temperate regions. They avoid dense forest areas. Their adaptability allows them thrive across different habitat types including man-modified environments.
Behavior and Diet
Ringed Turtle Doves exhibit the following behavioral traits and feeding patterns:
- Diet: Mainly herbivorous, feeding on seeds, grains, shoots, greens, berries, fruits.
- Ground foragers, pecking and scratching the ground for food.
- Social birds, often seen in pairs or small flocks.
- Make flimsy twig nests in trees or shrubs.
- Breeding season lasts from March to September.
- Lay 2 white eggs, incubated by both parents for 14-18 days.
- Young fledge in 15-19 days, may have 2-5 broods per year.
- Migratory in the northern parts of range, otherwise resident.
- Roost communally in trees at night.
- Lifespan in wild is 2-5 years.
Ringed Turtle Doves are relatively tame birds. Their soft cooing vocalizations are pleasant sounding. They are important in literature and culture as a symbol of love and peace. Their declining populations face threats from habitat loss and hunting pressure.
Taxonomy
The Ringed Turtle Dove belongs to the below taxonomic classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Streptopelia |
| Species | S. risoria |
It is the type species of the Streptopelia genus. No distinct subspecies of the Ringed Turtle Dove are recognized. It is sometimes split into an eastern and western subspecies based on minor plumage variations. Hybridization with the Eurasian Collared Dove also occurs.
Close Relatives
The Ringed Turtle Dove is closely related to other Streptopelia doves such as:
- Eurasian Collared Dove
- African Collared Dove
- Red Turtle Dove
- Vinaceous Dove
- Spotted Dove
- Laughing Dove
These genus members share similar physical traits, habitats, distribution patterns, breeding behaviors, vocalizations and evolutionary history. However, only the Ringed Turtle Dove possesses the distinctive black semi-collar marking on the nape.
Significance to Humans
Ringed Turtle Doves have importance to humans in the following ways:
- Food: Hunted as game meat and consumed in some parts of range. Squabs may be harvested from nests.
- Pests: Considered agricultural pests as they can damage crops. But help disperse seeds.
- Pets: Sometimes kept as pets or racing birds, but less suitable than other doves.
- Symbolism: Represent love, peace, fidelity, hope in literature and art. Often depicted with an olive branch.
- Culture: Feature in Greek and Roman mythology. Mentioned in Bible. Inspired musical works.
However, their populations are declining due to habitat degradation and unsustainable hunting. Conservation action is needed to protect Turtle Doves across their range.
Population and Conservation Status
Ringed Turtle Doves have an extremely large global range and population. However some important notes regarding their population status:
- Europe: Once common, but populations declined by over 75% in parts of Europe since 1980 due to habitat loss and hunting.
- UK: Declared a Red List bird species after 93% population crash from 1967-2007.
- Asia/Africa: Still common in parts of central Asia, the Middle East, India, and Africa.
- IUCN Red List: Classified as Least Concern currently due to large range. But ongoing declines.
Major threats and conservation needs:
- Habitat loss due intensive agriculture, urbanization, deforestation
- Climate change affects breeding success and migration patterns
- Hunting and poaching for food, sport and trade
- Regulate hunting, protect key habitats, restore food sources, limit pesticides
Despite population declines, Ringed Turtle Doves remain widespread and are considered of Least Concern presently by the IUCN. But ongoing conservation action is needed to protect this iconic and culturally significant species.
Conclusion
The Ringed Turtle Dove is medium-sized dove species recognized by its distinctive black collar marking on the neck. Scientifically called Streptopelia risoria, it inhabits various open habitats across southern Europe, Asia and Africa. An important game bird and cultural symbol, its populations are declining in parts of its range. The black neck stripe sets it apart from closely related doves in the Streptopelia genus. Conservation efforts for habitat protection can help safeguard Ringed Turtle Dove populations into the future.
