Bird
African Mourning Dove
Streptopelia decipiensAlso known as Mourning Collared Dove, African Mourning Collared Dove
African mourning doves are elegant, medium-sized birds recognized by their soft grey-brown plumage, pink-flushed breasts, and a prominent black collar on the back of the neck. They gather in large, peaceful flocks near rivers and waterholes, filling the savanna air with a distinctive, low, growling coo. These adaptable birds forage on the ground for seeds and grains, frequently mingling with other dove species in agricultural fields.
GranivorousVocalSocial
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyGrass Seeds, Grains, Small Berries
Predators
- Raptors
- Feral Cats
- Snakes
ThreatsHabitat loss, hunting, and agricultural pesticide exposure
HabitatsSavannas, acacia woodlands, riparian forests, and agricultural areas near water
Life spanTypically 5 to 10 years in the wild
Classification
- FamilyColumbidae
- SpeciesStreptopelia decipiens
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Listen for the call: Identify them by their fast, descending, growling coo that sounds like mourning.
- Look near water: Scan muddy banks of rivers and waterholes where they gather to drink.
- Check the eyes: Distinguish them from similar collared doves by their bright yellow eyes and bare grey skin.
Frequent Companion (c) Marcelo Cabrera, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Marcelo Cabrera · cc-by
Distant Look-alike (c) Paul Danese, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Derek Keats, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Lip Kee Yap, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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