Streptopelia chinensis

Size: Birds Size: 32 cm

Family: Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves, 25 species in Australia)

Distribution: Within about 100 km of the coasts of NSW, VIC, QLD (except far North), Eastern SA and the SW tip of WA.

Status: Abundantff

Habitat: Cities, suburban gardens, parks, established grain-growing areas of coastal, Eastern Australia.

References: Simpson and Day, Reader's Digest

About the Spotted Turtle-Dove

The Spotted Turtle-Dove is a kind of pigeon, however not as "gross" as the common Feral Pigeon. It has an easily recognisable "coo coooo", or "coo cooooo coo" kind of call which (like most bird calls) is much easier to hear than to read. It raises and lowers its tail on alighting.

The black-with-white-spots area on the back of the Spotted Turtle-Dove's neck makes it easy to recognise.

Birdwatchers call the Spotted Turtle-Dove the "STD". This is generally meant to not be a compliment.

Photo: Ray Lawler Park, Morpeth. Higher Resolution 1848 x 1707.

Photo: Blaxland, Blue Mountains NSW.

Photo: Blaxland, Blue Mountains NSW. A baby Spotted Turtle-Dove that had lost its parents.

See Also

Australian Mammals
Australian Reptiles
Australian Frogs
Australian Fish
Australian Spiders and Their Faces
Australian Wild Plant Foods

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