Birds A-Z

Turtle Dove

Streptopelia turtur
TURTLE-DOVE

Listen:

Niels Krabbe, Xeno-canto

Gallery:

Key information: The Turtle Dove is a slim dove that is slightly smaller and more colourful than the Collared Dove. In Cyprus, a small number breed during the summer, while many more pass through our island during migration. It has a distinct purring song that is repeated several times. It used to be a common farmland bird in Europe, but now its population is declining mainly due to habitat loss.

Length: 25 – 28cm

Habitat: Farmland, towns and villages, scrub and bushes

When they can be seen: Autumn, spring, summer

What they eat: Seeds

In Cyprus: Can be seen in forested areas, such as Troodos, Paphos and Macheras Forests as well as coastal areas during migration

Status: Passage migrant, migrant breeder

Illustration by Paschalis Dougalis

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