brown dove

1. Bird Name
The bird being examined is called the Brown Dove, sometimes referred to as the Brown Cuckoo-dove in Western territories. Its scientific name is Macropygia amboinensis.

2. Appearance
As signified by its common name, the Brown Dove showcases a predominantly brown coloration with a hint of a purplish sheen on its neck. The bird’s neck is adorned with black-tipped feathers that give it a characteristic scaled appearance. Their abdomens are lighter, presenting a gradient of white to cream which stands in contrast against their darker bodies. There is minimal visible difference between males and females, but males typically possess a slightly brighter and more vivid plumage. The Brown Dove’s beak is medium-sized and bent downward, colored dark gray to black, while their eyes are a striking bright red.

3. Size
On average, the Brown Dove measures between 40 to 46 cm (16 – 18 inches) in length. They boast a wingspan of about 18-22 inches and weigh typically between 220-390g.

4. Habitat & Distribution
Brown doves have a wide distribution, spanning regions of Asia and Oceania. They can be found in countries such as Indonesia, The Philippines, Papua New Guinea, and parts of Australia. Their preferred habitats include subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, montane forests, mangrove forests, and plantations, where they can dwell up to an altitude of 2000 meters.

5. Interesting Facts
Brown doves have a unique nesting habit where they lay only a single white egg on a flimsy platform of twigs. The parents take turns incubating the egg for approximately two weeks. Besides, Brown Doves are not particularly social birds and are usually seen alone or in pairs, except during times of mass-fruiting where trees serve as a great food source, causing large group gatherings.

6. Diet
Brown doves have a preference for fruits, particularly berries, making them critical distributors of seeds throughout their habitats. They feast on the fruits of various trees, shrubs, and vines, but will occasionally supplement their diet with seeds and insects.

7. Behavior & Sounds
The flight of a Brown Dove is swift and direct, characterized by rapid wingbeats. On the ground, these birds display a typical pigeon-like strut. Their call is a distinctive low, mournful cooing sound, emitted repeatedly by the males while displaying a characteristic bowing motion during courtship.

8. Conservation Status
According to the IUCN Red List, the Brown Dove is of Least Concern due to its large and expanding range and apparently stable population.

9. Lifespan
Representative of many doves, Brown Doves have a relatively long lifespan for birds, living between 10-15 years in the wild and slightly longer in captivity under optimal conditions.

10. Additional Notes
In Australia, the Brown Dove is often called the “Pheasant Pigeon” as a nod to their pheasant-like appearance and behavior. They play a crucial role in seed dispersion, aiding forest rejuvenation. Despite their timid nature, these birds often find their way into urban areas where fruiting trees are present. They are typically non-aggressive towards humans and are able to tolerate human presence reasonably well when undisturbed.