- Wildlife
- Birds
- Pigeons and doves
- Turtle Dove
Amy Lewis
About
The turtle dove is a small pigeon, just a little bit smaller than collared dove. Turtle doves breed in woodlands, orchards and well-wooded parks; the UK is the northern end of its range and it can be mainly found in the warmer, drier south and east. Adults feed on cereal and wildflower seeds but feed their young 'pigeon milk' - a regurgitated, milky substance from a food-storage organ called a 'crop'.
How to identify
Much more colourful than the collared dove, the turtle dove has an orangey-brown back with a tortoiseshell pattern of black, a blue-grey head, pink chest and three or four black and white stripes forming a patch on the side of the neck. They sound different to collared doves: turtle doves have a purring 'turrr turrr turr' song (hence their Latin name), compared to the familiar 'hoo hoooo-hoo' of the collared dove.
Where to find it
Found throughout England and the lowlands of Wales. Declining.
Habitats
When to find it
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
How can people help
The turtle dove has suffered serious declines in recent decades due to changing agricultural practices and habitat loss. The Wildlife Trusts are working closely with farmers and landowners to promote wildlife-friendly practices. We are working towards a 'Living Landscape': a network of habitats and wildlife corridors across town and country, which are good for both wildlife and people. You can support this greener vision for the future by joining your local Wildlife Trust.