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The mourning collared dove or African mourning dove is a dove which is a widespread resident breeding bird in Africa south of the Sahara. Despite its name, it is not closely related to the North American mourning dove. This species is common or abundant near water. They often mingle peacefully with other doves.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
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The Mourning Collared Dove is a medium-sized, stocky pigeon, up to 32 cm in length. It is often black with pale brown wings, which are broad and pointed. The head is grey and the underside is pink, giving a pale grey shading on the belly. There is a black hind neck patch edged with white. The legs and a patch of bare skin around the eye are red. When flying, it shows dark colored flight feathers and extensive white in the tail, the latter being a distinction from the similar but larger red-eyed dove. Voice: The call from the Mourning Collared Dove is a deep, nasally call note that sounds along the lines of kuk-koooo-kuk. This call pattern is flat and considered a hoot.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Central African Republic.
When to see it
Peak activity in November · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Vinaceous DoveStreptopelia vinaceaThe vinaceous dove is a small, stocky pigeon, typically 26 to 30 centimeters (10.2 to 11.8 inches) in length and 130 to 180 grams (4.6 to 6.3 ounces) in weight.
Dusky Turtle DoveStreptopelia lugensThe dusky turtle dove is a very dark or slaty gray dove, generally 28–30 centimeters long and 120–205 grams.
Learn the Mourning Collared Dove for real
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