Dave Taylor's African Safari: Trophic Level II - The Herbivores - Ring-necked Dove

Dave Taylor's African Safari: Trophic Level II - The Herbivores - Ring-necked Dove - Page 10

Trophic Level II - The Herbivores
Ring-necked Dove
Page 10

Streptopelia capicola

Length: 25 cm (10")

Status: Common

Habitat: Ring-necked doves are found below 2 000 meters (6,560 feet) altitude. They live along the forest edges of wooded savannas.

Food: Ring-necked doves eat grass, cereal and tree seeds. They also eat sedge bulbs, fruit, earthworms and insects.

Behavior: There are several species of doves to be seen (and heard) in the Serengeti-Mara. Doves and pigeons belong to the same family (Columbidae). They are all plump birds with straight bills and short necks. Most have "cooing" calls that they give all day long. World wide, there are 290 species.

Ring-necked doves mate for life. The male and female preen each other which helps ensure that their pairing continues. Males fly up and clap their wings over their territory to announce their ownership. A pair may occupy the same territory for up to eight years. The female lays one or two eggs in a poorly built, stick nest made in a tree by the pair. They may raise as many as 10 broods in a good year.

The ring-necked dove does not dust-bathe. Instead, it will splash about in shallow water. Flocks of doves will go to water holes in mid-morning and late afternoon to drink. They feed on the ground.

This bird’s song is frequently heard throughout its range.

Predators: Turtles will often grab a dove when it is bathing or drinking. Many species of birds also feed on doves including birds of prey, herons, and owls. Servals, caracals and jackals also feed on them. Snakes will eat eggs and nestlings.

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