Spilopelia chinensis
The Spotted Dove, *Spilopelia chinensis*, is a captivating medium-sized member of the pigeon family, typically measuring 28-32 cm (11-12.6 in) in length with a wingspan of 43-48 cm (17-19 in) and weighing between 120-180 g (4.2-6.3 oz). Its plumage features a delicate pinkish-brown to vinaceous head and underparts, transitioning to a whitish belly, complemented by a brownish back and wings that exhibit a subtly scaled pattern. The most striking field mark is the distinctive broad patch of bla...
Highly adaptable, the Spotted Dove is found in urban parks, suburban gardens, agricultural lands, open woodlands, and scrublands. It prefers areas with scattered trees and access to water, typically at low to moderate elevations up to 2,000 meters.
Predominantly granivorous, consuming a wide variety of seeds, grains, and fallen fruits; occasionally supplements its diet with small invertebrates. Forages mostly by gleaning from the ground.
Spotted Doves are diurnal birds, actively foraging and interacting during the day before roosting communally in trees or dense shrubs at night. They are primarily ground gleaners, methodically walking and pecking at seeds, grains, and fallen fruits, occasionally consuming small invertebrates. Mal...
The native range of the Spotted Dove primarily encompasses the Indian subcontinent, including India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, extending eastward through Southeast Asia to southern China, Taiwan, and parts of Indonesia and the Philippines. This adaptable species has been widely introduced...
Least Concern
- The Spotted Dove is sometimes called the "Lace-necked Dove" or "Pearl-necked Dove" due to its distinctive black and white spotted neck patch. - Despite its delicate appearance, this species is a highly successful colonizer and has established thriving populations on multiple continents outside ...