Spotted Dove

Latin Name: 
Stigmatopelia chinensis
Category: 
Size: 
30cm
Description: 

Sexes alike. Grey and pinkbrown above, spotted white; white-spotted black hind-neck collar (chessboard) diagnostic; dark tail with broad white tips to outer feathers seen in flight; vinous-brown breast, merging into white on belly. Young birds are barred above and lack chessboard. Pairs or small parties on ground; frequently settles on paths and roads, flying further on intrusion; quite tame and confiding in many areas; drinks often; at harvest times, seen along with other doves in immense gatherings.

Habitat: 
open forest, scrub, habitation, cultivation.
Food: 
grains, seeds.
Distribution: 
subcontinent, up to about 3,500m in the Himalaya.
Call: 
Call Description: 
familiar bird sound of India, a soft, somewhat doleful crook…cru…croo or croo…croo… croo.
National Status: