Ring-necked Dove
Streptopelia capicola
The Ring-necked Dove (Streptopelia capicola) is a common doves and pigeon found in 27 countries, weighing about 142 g. The ring-necked dove, also known as the Cape turtle dove, half-collared dove, or the Cape Lager is a widespread and often abundant dove species in East and southern Africa.
About the Ring-necked Dove
The ring-necked dove, also known as the Cape turtle dove, half-collared dove, or the Cape Lager is a widespread and often abundant dove species in East and southern Africa. It is a mostly sedentary bird, found in a variety of open habitats. Within range, its penetrating and rhythmic, three-syllabled crooning is a familiar sound at any time of the year. Its name is derived from the semi-collar of black feathers on the lower nape, a feature shared with a number of Streptopelia species. Like all doves, they depend on surface water. They congregate in large flocks at waterholes in dry regions to drink and bathe.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
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.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in United States, Nigeria.
When to see it
The Ring-necked Dove can be seen all year round, with peak activity in November. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Ring-necked Dove?
- 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. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Ring-necked Dove?
- The Ring-necked Dove is a medium sized bird weighing about 142 g.
- Where can you see a Ring-necked Dove?
- The Ring-necked Dove occurs in 27 countries, including South Africa, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania and Botswana.
- What birds look similar to a Ring-necked Dove?
- The Ring-necked Dove is most easily confused with the Red-eyed Dove, the European Turtle Dove and the Red Collared Dove.
- Is the Ring-necked Dove endangered?
- The Ring-necked Dove is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Ring-necked Dove for real
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