Turtur tympanistria
The Tambourine Dove (Turtur tympanistria) is a small, shy, and strikingly marked African wood-dove, typically measuring about 22 cm (8.7 inches) in length and weighing 50-70 grams. It is instantly recognizable by its brilliant white underparts, sharply contrasting with a dark grey or blackish back and crown, often giving it a pied appearance. Key field marks include a prominent black patch on the hindneck, a rich rufous wash on the outer primaries visible in flight, and usually two or three g...
This species primarily inhabits the dense undergrowth of evergreen forests, woodlands, thickets, and riparian vegetation, ranging from sea level up to 2,000 meters in elevation.
The Tambourine Dove's diet consists mainly of small seeds, fallen berries, and small invertebrates, which it primarily gleans from the forest floor.
Tambourine Doves are primarily diurnal, typically observed foraging on the forest floor during the early morning and late afternoon, often appearing quite crepuscular. They are generally solitary or found in pairs, becoming more social at waterholes where small groups may gather. Their foraging s...
The Tambourine Dove is a widespread resident breeder across sub-Saharan Africa. Its extensive distribution spans from Senegal and Guinea-Bissau in West Africa, eastward through the Congo Basin, across Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, and into East Africa, including Uganda, ...
Least Concern
- The "Tambourine" in its name comes from its unique, drumming-like call, which can sound surprisingly like a distant percussion instrument. - Despite its striking white underparts, this dove is remarkably difficult to spot due to its secretive, skulking nature in dense forest undergrowth. - Its ...