Spotted Dove for Sale

Spotted Doves, also known as Spotted Turtle Doves, are residents of tropical Southern Asia and are easily distinguished by their black patch with white spots on the back of their necks. There are a few subspecies that have a little variance in appearance and behavior. The bird can also be seen in parts of North America (mainly California and Hawaii), Australia, and Indonesia where they've been introduced. The bird prefers to live in open woodland and agricultural areas, but has also adapted well to urban areas and can be spotted in parks, gardens, and neighborhoods. They don't often venture into the deep forest. Researchers believe this is because their abundant food sources are near the people. They usually travel alone or in pairs, especially during the breeding season.

The bird is a gray-brown, medium-bodied bird with only one distinct characteristic that's been mentioned, its black patch with white spots which gives it its name. Male, female, young and old of the species all look very similar to each other. The bird is about 1 foot long, including its long tail.

What does a Spotted Dove Eat?

In nature, Spotted Doves prefer to eat grains, grass seed, and other parts of plant life. They can also be found foraging along the ground of farms and chicken coops, eating commercial feed. They eat alone, in pairs or in small groups. Bird watchers know their call as a soft coo-croo-coo.

Mating seasons is typically September to January, but the bird can breed all year long. Males impress females by performing a complicated flight show that begins by flying as high as 30 to 40 meters and then spreading their wings and tail while diving in a circular motion to perch. Additionally, the male will make loud clapping noises with its wings and “strut its stuff” in front of the female while bowing its head up and down. After mating, 1-2 glossy white eggs can be found in their nest together. Nests are built of a loose platform of materials and both parents share the responsibility of incubating and feeding the young. Both parents provide what is called “Pigeon Milk” for their young, which is similar to the “crop milk” of other species.

Spotted Dove Pets

Pigeons and Doves in captivity are popular for their special bond they can form with their trainers, and the talents they are able to perform. White doves from wedding releases are often actually white pigeons that have a special “homing” instinct that brings them back to their trainer. Pigeons are widely recognized as good message carriers for the same reason. This is a skill that can be taught to all pigeon species. They are also popular in captivity because their voices and songs are pleasant, and their physical “dances” and displays are entertaining. They live to be 10-12 years in captivity. The bird is listed as of “least concern” and unlike other listed species of least concern, their population is actually rising.