Oriental Turtle Dove

Streptopelia orientalis

Family: Doves and Pigeons · Status: Ship-assisted/Escapee · Size: 31–33 cm · Conservation: Least Concern

Range

Breeds from central Siberia to Japan, China, and the Himalayas; some populations winter in Indochina and the Indian Subcontinent. Vagrant to Singapore.

Identification

Larger, bulkier, and darker than Spotted Dove, with barred rather than spotted neck-sides and no markings on hindneck. Rufous and grey fringes to lower mantle and wing coverts; broader rufous fringes to scapulars. Juveniles and first-winter birds have less distinct rufous fringing and neck bars.

Habitat

Open forest, secondary growth, scrub and plantation. Only confirmed record at St John's Island on 28 Nov 2018.

Behaviour

Mostly feeds on the ground, usually consuming grains.