Listen

Sound clips and movies require Adobe Flash player.

Latin name

Streptopelia turtur

Family

Pigeons and doves (Columbidae)

Overview

The turtle dove is a dainty dove, smaller and darker than the collared dove and slightly larger than a blackbird. Its upperparts are distinctively mottled with chestnut and black and its black tail has a bright white edge. The gentle purr of the turtle dove is an evocative sound of summer, but has become increasingly rare following substantial population declines which make it a Red List species.

Where to see them

It is mainly a bird of southern and eastern England, although it does reach as far as Wales. Best looked for in woodland edges, hedgerows and open land with scattered bushes.

When to see them

Arrives in late April and May, leaving again between July and September.

What they eat

Seeds

Estimated numbers

* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.

Distribution

Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.

Audio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100)

1 illustration

Turtle dove

Similar birds

Collared dove