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Let Nature Sing

On the 17 October, we filled the UK with bird song. Find out why

Takeover success

Turtle dove

Turtle dove
Turtle dove
Turtle dove in flight
Turtle dove in flight
  • Scientific name: Streptopelia turtur
  • Bird family: Pigeons and doves
  • UK conservation status: Red
  • Protected by The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

Turtle dove call audio

Your browser does not support this audio feature.

Niels Krabbe, Xeno-canto

Key information

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 white edge.

The gentle purr of the turtle dove is an evocative sound of summer, but has become increasingly rare following rapid and sustained population declines. One cause of the decline is thought to be lack of seed and grain as food during the breeding season, resulting in a much shorter breeder season with fewer nesting attempts. The species is now included on the Red List of conservation concern.

What they eat:

Seeds.

Measurements:

Length:
26-28cm
Wingspan:
47-53cm
Weight:
130-180g

Population:

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.
UK breeding:
14,000 territories

Identifying features:

Turtle dove

Turtle dove illustration
Feather colour: Black Blue Brown Cream/buff Grey Orange Pink/purple White
Leg colour: Brown Pink Red
Beak: Black Medium length Thin
Natural habitats: Woodland Farmland Grassland Heathland Urban and suburban

Similar birds:

Collared Dove
Collared dove

Where and when to see them

The turtle dove 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.

* This map is intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.
  • Resident
  • Passage
  • Summer
  • Winter
Turtle dove distribution map

The turtle dove arrives in late April and May, leaving again between July and September.

  • jan
  • feb
  • mar
  • apr
  • may
  • jun
  • jul
  • aug
  • sep
  • oct
  • nov
  • dec

RSPB reserves

  • RSPB Fowlmere

Video

Footage of turtle doves.

Footage of turtle doves.

Turtle dove video screenshot
Turtle dove

Will you help prevent extinction?

The pandemic brought vital work to a stop but the on-going nature crisis hasn't gone away. Birds like black-tailed godwits and turtle doves desperately need your help to get nature back on track.

I'll help

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RSPB Giving Nature a Home Campaign

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RSPB Giving Nature a Home Campaign

Gough Island

We need your help with one of our most ambitious extinction prevention projects yet.

Join us

Help us Give Nature A Home and get entry to over 170 beautiful nature reserves, plus Nature's Home magazine every month.

We spend 90% of net income on conservation, public education and advocacy

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