Geopelia maugeus
The Barred Dove (Geopelia maugeus) is a captivating small dove, endemic to the Lesser Sunda Islands, distinguished by its intricate plumage and gentle demeanor. Averaging 20-23 cm (8-9 inches) in length and weighing between 40-60 grams (1.4-2.1 oz), it possesses a slender build typical of the genus Geopelia. Its most striking feature is the fine, black barring that extends across its pale blue-grey head, neck, and breast, contrasting with a greyish-brown back and wings that also exhibit subtl...
This adaptable dove favors open woodlands, scrublands, cultivated fields, and urban gardens, often frequenting areas with scattered trees and shrubs. It is primarily found in lowland and coastal areas, rarely exceeding elevations of 1,000 meters.
Its diet primarily consists of small seeds from grasses and weeds, supplemented by fallen berries and occasional small insects, all gleaned from the ground.
Active during daylight hours, the Barred Dove spends much of its time foraging on the ground, often in pairs or small, loose flocks. Its foraging strategy involves methodical ground-gleaning, pecking at seeds and small insects. Males exhibit territorial behavior during the breeding season, perfor...
The Barred Dove is endemic to the Lesser Sunda Islands, an archipelago stretching across the southern part of maritime Southeast Asia. Its core distribution includes the islands of Timor, Flores, Sumba, Rote, Semau, Savu, Alor, Wetar, Kisar, Romang, Leti, and Babar. This species is a non-migrator...
Least Concern
- The Barred Dove's repetitive 'coo-coo-cook' call is one of the most recognizable bird sounds in its native Lesser Sunda Islands. - It is often confused with its close relatives, the Peaceful Dove and Zebra Dove, but can be identified by its more extensive and prominent barring on the head and b...