Streptopelia orientails (Oriental turtle dove)
Streptopelia orientails – Oriental turtle dove (click to enlarge)
| Common name | Oriental Turtle – Dove |
| Scientific name | Streptopelia orientails |
| Family | Columbidae (Doves & Pigeons) |
| Description | Large reddish brown dove, scaly pattern above and black-and-white chessboard on the sides of the neck. The tail is broad, rounded with white terminal band conspicuous when alighting. It is similar to the spotted dove and is distinguished from it, by its rich rufus color and stocky pigeon-like build. The sexes are alike. It is a resident of the entire subcontinent, in three races, up to 4000 meters. Their numbers are augmented in winter by extra-limited migrants. In its feeding it prefers grains. It is seen in pairs and in small parties. It moves in flocks while migrating. Its flight is swift and pigeon-like. It feeds on paddy, cereals, and bamboo and grass seeds and is a common sight in the Great Himalayan National Park. |