Birds of Singapore
by the Bird Society of Singapore
Spilopelia chinensis
Family: Doves and Pigeons · Status: Very common resident · Size: 30–31 cm · Conservation: Not Evaluated
Resident across the Indian Subcontinent, southern China, Indochina, and the Thai-Malay Peninsula, extending to Sumatra, Borneo, and the Lesser Sundas.
Adult has greyish-brown upperparts with black streaks on upperwings, prominent black collar with white spots around neck, greyish face, and pale vinous underparts. Larger than Zebra Dove, which lacks the spotted collar and has prominent barring on underparts. Smaller and paler than Oriental Turtle Dove, with spotted rather than barred neck-sides and lacking rufous scaly wing pattern.
Open habitats including grasslands, reclaimed land, urban parks, and gardens.
Largely seen foraging on ground for seeds and grains; usually observed in pairs or small numbers, occasionally gathering in larger groups at abundant food sources.