Streptopelia decipiens
The Mourning Collared Dove (Streptopelia decipiens) is a widespread and familiar resident of sub-Saharan Africa, instantly recognizable by its distinctive black collar contrasting against pale grey and brown plumage. Measuring approximately 30-31 cm (12 inches) in length and weighing between 140-190 grams (4.9-6.7 ounces), this medium-sized dove exhibits a characteristically long tail and a uniform light grey-brown body with rufous undertail coverts. A prominent, narrow black band encircles t...
This adaptable dove thrives in open woodlands, savannas, scrubland, and cultivated areas, frequently found in human-modified landscapes such as agricultural fields, gardens, and urban parks, typically at low to moderate elevations.
Primarily granivorous, their diet consists mainly of seeds from various grasses and cultivated cereals, supplemented with fallen berries, small fruits, and occasionally small insects or snails.
Mourning Collared Doves are primarily diurnal, often seen foraging on the ground in pairs or small flocks, though they may gather in larger numbers at abundant food sources or communal roosts. Their foraging strategy involves walking steadily, picking seeds and fallen fruits. They are generally m...
The Mourning Collared Dove is a widespread resident species found throughout much of sub-Saharan Africa. Its extensive year-round range stretches from Mauritania and Senegal in the west, across the Sahel and Sudan regions, eastward to Ethiopia and Somalia. Southward, its distribution extends thro...
Least Concern
- The 'Mourning' in its name refers to its low, mournful-sounding cooing call, which is a distinctive sound across its African range. - Despite its common name, it is not closely related to the North American Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura), which belongs to a different genus. - Its prominent bl...