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ShrublandPlatform nestSmall · 41 g
ID tip
The Namaqua dove is a tiny pigeon, typically 22 cm in length with a 28–33 cm wingspan, and weighing 40g. It has a very long black tapered tail, and the size and shape have led to comparison with the budgerigar. The plumage is mostly grey apart from a white belly, and chestnut primary feathers which are visible in flight. The adult male has a yellow and red beak and a black face, throat and breast. The adult female lacks the black and has a red-based grey bill. Young birds are dark blotched on the wings and shoulders, and otherwise resemble the females.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
When to see the Namaqua Dove
One bar for each month, and every month is filled: this bird is recorded here in all twelve. The wide bar is November, the month with the most records.
Where to see the Namaqua Dove
The map shades 53 countries with regular records, and 7 more in a lighter tone where the bird turns up only as a stray. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.
Recorded as a rare visitor in Togo, Georgia, Lebanon, Cyprus, Central African Republic, United States, Syria.
About the Namaqua Dove
The Namaqua dove is a very small species of pigeon. It is the only species in the genus Oena. It is found over much of Sub-Saharan Africa as well as Arabia and Madagascar.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Easily confused with
Emerald-spotted Wood DoveTurtur chalcospilosThe emerald-spotted wood dove is a small plump pigeon, typically 20 cm in length.
Spot-winged PigeonPatagioenas maculosaThe two subspecies of spot-winged pigeon differ significantly in their plumage.
Zenaida DoveZenaida auritaThe Zenaida dove is approximately 28–30 cm (11–12 in) in length.
Side by side: Emerald-spotted Wood Dove vs Namaqua Dove · Namaqua Dove vs Spot-winged Pigeon · Namaqua Dove vs Zenaida Dove
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