Skip to main content

Ring-necked Dove

Streptopelia capicola

Published on Project Noah
Zoom
NominateNominate for Wildlife Photograph of the Month
reportFlag Spotting

-23.8214, 31.4456

Field Notes

Description:

The Ring-necked Dove (Streptopelia capicola), also known as the Cape Turtle Dove and the Half-Collared Dove. Their name comes from a black patch of feathers on the back of their necks. The rest of their feathers are a pale brownish-grey, with darker colors on their backs. They also have white tips on the end of their tail feathers.
Males and females look alike, although the males are slightly bigger. They measure 25–32 cm (9.8–13 in) in length and weigh 92–188 g (3.2–6.6 oz)

Habitat:

It is a widespread and abundant bird in the bush, savannah, farmlands, and woodlands of southern and eastern Africa

Notes:

They are quite noisy in these groups, not only for the variety of calls they make throughout the day (and often into night), but also because their wings clap loudly when the birds take flight. Their usual call is a monotonous and high-pitched crooning sound, “Cooka-loo” which they repeat ten to thirty times. They have a second, cackling call that sounds like laughter. Because of the unusual sound of the birds' call, in the bush it is said that in the morning the call of the dove is saying 'work haaarder, work haaarder', and in the evening, the call is saying 'drink laaager, drink laaager'.

Species ID Suggestions

Ring-necked Dove

Streptopelia capicola

Eurasian Collared Dove

Streptopelia decaocto

Turtle-dove Cape

Streptopelia capicola

Comments (3)

Consider linking this to Kruger Park mission at http://www.projectnoah.org/missions/8322205
The Eurasian Collared Dove is not found in South Africa.
Photographed
PublishedJanuary 13, 2012

Accelerate our Mission to Photograph 
Every Species in the World!

Image
Butterflies icon

Wildlife Community

Wildlife Community

Join a worldwide community passionate about wildlife and nature!

Join Project Noah

Nature School

Nature School

Transform your green space into a curiosity-creating nature classroom!

Visit Nature School

Wildlife Game

Wildlife Game

Defend wildlife throughout the jungle in thrilling nature game!

Play Baboon