European Turtle Dove vs Ring-necked Dove

European Turtle Dove

Streptopelia turtur

Medium132 gWoodland

The European turtle dove is smaller and more slender than many other doves. It measures 26–28 cm (10–11 in) in length, has a wingspan of 47–53 cm (19–21 in) and weighs 100–156 g (3.5–5.5 oz). It can be recognised by its brown colouring and the black-and-white-striped patch on the side of its neck. When the bird flies from the observer, the tail is notable as it is wedge-shaped with a dark centre and white borders and tips. When viewed from below, the pattern, due to the white under-tail coverts obscuring the dark bases, resembles a blackish chevron on a white background.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recorded by Sonothèque ADVL · Song · Vallée du Lude (Carolles), Manche, Normandie, France · CC0

Photo: Stephan Sprinz · CC BY 4.0

Ring-necked Dove

Streptopelia capicola

Medium142 gShrubland

Their body feathers are darkest on the upper side, where they are coloured in dull tones of grey and brown, with shades of lavender on the nape. It is paler below, where a tint of pinkish lavender is usually present. The lower belly and crissum (the undertail coverts surrounding the cloaca) is white. As with related species, they have white fringes and conspicuous white tips to the otherwise slate grey tail feathers. The tail pattern is particularly noticeable during the display flight. Individual plumage variation is high, with some light and others almost sooty.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Erik A. Drabløs · CC BY 3.0

Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: European Turtle Dove and Ring-necked Dove.