Namaqua Dove
Oena capensis
Farmlands. Light brown above with purple wing-spots; light brown breast; underparts whitish; legs maroon-red
Doves, Pigeons
LC
Not Endemic
Description
Common resident. At all ages identified by long tail. Male also shows black patch from forehead to breast and red bill with yellow tip. In flight, combination of brown flight feathers and long tail diagnostic. The call is a seldom heard, explosive ‘twoo-hoo’. Commonly seen in grassland, fallow fields, thornveld and eroded areas, particularly in dry regions. Perches on low bushes and fences; flies low at great speed. Nomadic; irregular visitor to southern and southeastern coastal areas.
Quick Facts
Size
27 cm - M
Names
A: Namakwaduifie
Z: uNkombose
Ss: Mokgorwane
G: Kaptäubchen
Bird Family
A well-known group of mostly seed-eating, terrestrial (except for the arboreal fruit-feeding pigeons) birds that build flimsy stick platform nests in trees. The distinction between pigeons and doves is ill-defined: larger species tend to be called pigeons, smaller ones doves. Immatures are dull versions of the adults. Many species become very common and tame near human habitation.
Distribution
Gallery
Behaviour
Breeding
Habitat
