Spotted dove

The spotted dove (Spilopelia chinensis) is a small and somewhat long-tailed pigeon that is a common resident breeding bird across its native range on the Indian subcontinent and in Southeast Asia. The species has been introduced to many parts of the world and feral populations have become established.

This species has previously been included in the genus Streptopolia with turtle pigeons, but studies show that they differ from the average member of that genus. This pigeon is brown with a long tail and has a black collar patch with white spots on the back and sides of the neck. The tail tips are white and the wing coverts have light buff spots.

Scientific name: Spiropelia chinensis Weight: 160 g (adult) Conservation status: Minimal care (population growth) Upper classification: Spiropelia Class: Aves Order: Colombofoams

The species is found in light forests and gardens as well as in urban areas. They fly from the ground with an explosive flutter and will sometimes glide down to a perch. It is also called the mountain dove, pearl-necked dove, lace-necked dove, and spotted turtle-dove.