Spotted Dove

English Name:- Spotted Dove ,
Sinhala Name :- Alu Kobeyiya ,
Bio nominal Name :- Spilopelia chinensis
The Spotted Dove is a commonly found breeding resident in gardens and cultivated areas throughout much of the country, particularly in dry zone forests, though it is less prevalent in hill country. This beautiful bird can be seen in nearly every province and ecosystem in Sri Lanka. Spotted Doves typically live in pairs and breed almost year-round, with each pair nesting multiple times throughout the year.
These doves primarily feed on grains and seeds from grasses and weeds, which they obtain from the ground. They are usually seen moving in pairs or small groups. Their flight is quick, characterized by regular wingbeats and occasional sharp flicks. During display flights, they take off at a steep angle with a loud clapping of their wings before slowly gliding down with their tails spread out.
In warmer regions, the breeding season is spread out, but in temperate areas, it typically occurs in summer. Spotted Doves build their nests mainly in low vegetation using a flimsy cup of twigs, where they lay two whitish eggs. Nests may also be found on the ground or on buildings and other structures. Both parents participate in building the nest, incubating the eggs, and feeding the young. The eggs hatch after approximately 13 days, and the chicks fledge after about two weeks.
The vocalizations of the Spotted Dove include a soft cooing sound, often described as "Krookruk-krukroo... kroo kroo kroo," with the number of terminal "kroos" varying in the Indian population and typically absent in the tigrine.