Turtur afer.
The two Wood-Doves, this species and the Black-brilled, are very similar to each other, but easily distinguished from all other pigeons.
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Red-belled Wood-Dove Turtur afer. The two Wood-Doves, this species and the Black-brilled, are very similar to each other, but easily distinguished from all other pigeons. |
| Recognition: Medium size. The head bluish-grey, the upperparts earth brown, but with dark-blue spots on the wings, the underparts pink-brown. In flight the predominant colour is bright reddish-brown on the wings, and black bars show across the rump. The pink bill and voice distinguish this species from the Black-brilled. |
Distribution: Throughout the southern parts of West Africa, but replaced by the Black-brilled. Wood-Doves. father north, though the two overlap. |
| Habits: Solitary or on pairs. Feeds on the ground, particularly cultivated ground. In late afternoon is often seen on road margins. The rather monotonous call is heard chiefly in the heat of the day in the dry season and is usually made while the bird is concealed within a low tree. Breeding occurs mostly in the dry season, nests often being placed quite low. |
| Call: A long, "Coo--coo--coo--coo--coo, coo,coo,coo,coo", the notes becoming faster. |
