Pigeons and doves
European Turtle-Dove
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Streptopelia turtur
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Voice
Song
Sonothèque ADVL
Song
Alexander Kürthy
Song
Sonothèque ADVL
How to recognize it
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26–29 cm, slender and smaller than many other doves
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Brown upperparts with black mottling on the wings
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Black-and-white striped patch on the side of the neck
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Flight rather arrow-like; deep cooing "turrr, turrr"
About the species
The European Turtle-Dove has a light, slender look, with warm brown tones and a pale underside that make it seem calm and understated. In parks and city edges, it is easy to overlook until its soft voice carries from cover.
It is wary and keeps to a quiet routine, often feeding on the ground rather than staying in view. In spring and early summer, its low, steady, slightly vibrating call is the main thing people notice.
It is a migratory species, present in many places from late spring to early autumn. It favors deciduous woods and parks, and feeds on seeds and plant parts in fields and other open spaces.
Where to find
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In mature leafy parks with tall canopies, European Turtle-Dove often feeds on the ground from May to September, moving in short dashes between a path edge and the lawn.
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On quiet lawns and woodland edges beneath old trees, look for brief flights from the branches and a soft purring call from the canopy.
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Along open clearings with scattered seeds and sparse grass, it may be seen picking food on the ground and freezing the moment people pass.
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In larger gardens or courtyard plantings with dense shrubs, watch for a low-perched pair — especially when one gives a gentle, repeated call.
You might also see
Sources
- eBird — Streptopelia turtur Sightings map and full description on eBird
- Wikipedia — European turtle dove Encyclopedia article