Spotted Dove

1. Bird Name
The popular English name of this bird is the Spotted Dove (Spilopelia chinensis).

2. Appearance
The Spotted Dove garners attention with its delicate greys and pinks on its upper parts of the body, giving way to a white belly. One of its most distinctive features is its black collar decorated with white spots on the nape, rendering it its English name. Its long pointy tail displays white tips and corners that are readily visible during its flight. A common trait among both sexes is the pinkish base of the bill which transitions to grey at the tip. The eyes, set off with a mild grey eye-ring, are generally reddish or pink.

3. Size
The Spotted Dove size averages 28 to 32 cm (11 to 13 in) in length. The wingspan of this bird is not significantly broad but adequate for its size. On average, adult birds weigh anywhere from 120 to 188 g.

4. Habitat & Distribution
The Spotted Dove is an extensively-occurring species found across various parts of Asia, including China, India and Indonesia. They are also native to Australia and have been introduced to Hawaii and other parts of the United States. Their preferred habitats are typically indentured: they thrive in woods, forests, gardens, parks, and farmlands, especially where humans reside.

5. Interesting Facts
Spotted Doves are monogamous; pair bonds last until one mate dies. When alarmed or threatened, they release a characteristic series of rapid wing claps that sound similar to shooting. Besides, they have been known to consume ants, potentially for their nutritional or medicinal value.

6. Diet
These birds are primarily granivorous. They feed on a range of seeds, grains, and occasionally green leaves and small invertebrates.

7. Behavior & Sounds
Spotted Doves are generally peaceful birds with a gentle nature. They spend a lot of time on the ground foraging for food. Their calls are a gentle cooing sound, often transcribed as “coo-COO-coo”, with the emphasis on the middle note.

8. Conservation Status
Currently, the Spotted Dove is categorized as ‘Least Concern’ on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not at immediate risk.

9. Lifespan
The lifespan of a Spotted Dove varies depending on environmental factors, but in general, they live for about ten to fifteen years in the wild. In captivity, well cared for, they can live significantly longer, some reaching 20 years.

10. Additional Notes
Also referred to as the Chinese Dove, Mountain Dove, or Lace-necked Dove, they have a reputation for being quite tame around humans, occupying public parks and gardens comfortably. They also play a vital role in their ecosystems by consuming weed seeds and small pests, therefore aiding in natural pest control.