Pigeons and doves
European Turtle-Dove
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Streptopelia turtur
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Voice
Song
Song
Song
How to recognize it
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26–28 cm long
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Adults: reddish-brown wings mottled with black, reddish breast
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Black-and-white striped patch on side of neck; absent in juveniles
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Flying away: wedge-shaped tail with a dark center, white edges and tip; low, vibrating coo, "turrr, turrr"
About the species
The European Turtle-Dove has a warm brown back, black-mottled wings and a pinkish breast, with a blue-grey head and neck. A black-and-white striped patch marks each side of the neck, while the belly is pale and the eye ring and legs are red. In flight, its tail shows dark feathers edged with white.
It is usually very timid. Its spring call is a low, vibrating "turrr, turrr"; during a high, circling courtship flight, a sharp crack comes from the downward flick of its wings. The flight is not especially fast.
It favors open woodland over dense forest and sometimes nests in large gardens. On the ground, it searches fields and other open spaces for seeds and plant shoots. It breeds across much of Europe and nearby regions, then migrates south of the Sahara for winter; in northern Europe, it arrives late in spring and returns south in September.
Where to find
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From May to September in leafy parks, listen for a deep purring call — in spring, it heralds the European Turtle-Dove's arrival.
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In open woodland, watch for ground-feeding on seeds and plant parts.
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In large gardens from May to August, you may occasionally spot a hidden nest in a bush or tree.
