About the Oriental Turtle Dove
The Oriental turtle dove or rufous turtle dove is a member of the bird family Columbidae. The species has a wide native distribution range from Central Asia east across Asia to Japan. The populations show variations in the patterning of plumage and have been designated into at least six named subspecies. Populations in the higher latitudes tend to migrate south in winter, while those closer to the tropics are sedentary. Vagrants have been recorded in North America. The species is predominantly granivorous and forages on the ground.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The Oriental dove is very similar in plumage to the Turtle dove. It is a little larger than that species, particularly in the case of orientalis, about the same size as a collared dove. It shares the black and white striped patch on the side of its neck made of silver-tipped feathers, but the breast is less pink, and the orange-brown wing feathers of the turtle dove are replaced with a browner hue, and darker centres giving a scaly appearance. The tail is wedge shaped, like the turtle dove. The flight is more relaxed and direct than that of its relative. Voice: The calls are different from the purring of the European turtle dove. It is a four-syllable her-her-oo-oo. There are significant call differences within the populations as well.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in United States, Canada, Germany, Netherlands, Finland, Belgium, France, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Cyprus, Faroe Islands.
When to see it
Peak activity in April · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Red Collared DoveStreptopelia tranquebaricaThe red collared dove is a relatively small species, with a length of 20.5–23 cm (8.1–9.1 in) and a weight of around 104 g (3.7 oz).
European Turtle DoveStreptopelia turturThe European turtle dove is smaller and more slender than many other doves.
Red-eyed DoveStreptopelia semitorquataThe red-eyed dove's pale bluish gray forehead merges into a darker hue on the crown.
Side by side: European Turtle Dove vs Oriental Turtle Dove · Oriental Turtle Dove vs Red Collared Dove · Oriental Turtle Dove vs Red-eyed Dove
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