Did you know?

Did you know? Red-eyed dove Apr 3 2008

The red-eyed dove (Streptopelia semitorquata) is a common bird of the African bush. It is dark, purplish grey on top, and has pinky-lighter grey underparts, with a smart black collar on the back of its neck, and purplish-red legs and feet. It has an orange or red eye, and a patch of dark red skin around its eye, which are distinguishing characteristics from other similar doves, such as the Cape turtle dove (Streptopelia capicola) and the African mourning dove (Streptopelia decipiens). The red-eyed dove’s call is a repeated cooing sound and its voice carries far through the bush.

Red-eyed doves prefer woodlands and forests over the open veld. They forage for food on the ground, often beneath trees, where they look for dry seeds, nuts and fruits. These gentle birds are resident all year round, and don’t migrate.

Watch the Earth-Touch clip, Dove and bushbuck in a forest.

Image of red-eyed dove © Earth-Touch 2008