The Dusky Turtle Dove (Streptopelia lugens) is a dove with a darker plumage than most turtle dove species.
Description[]
With a length of 28 cm (11 in) and a mass of 120 to 205 g (4.2 to 7.2 oz), it is a dark grey dove, lighter on the underparts and the ear coverts and darker on the upperparts, tail and wings, with black marks on the neck. When seen well, it shows beautiful rufous edges to the wing feathers. Its slightly paler gray corners to the tail are evident in flight. Its iris is orange-red, bare eye ring and legs are pinkish-red, and the beak and talons are black.
Voice[]
The call is a quiet series of descending growl notes.
Behavior[]
Feeding[]
Dusky Turtle Doves forage on the ground and primarily eat seeds, but also eat rhizomes, berries, and sprouts that have fallen on the ground.
Breeding and Nesting[]
In East Africa, the Dusky Turtle Dove's breeding season falls from December to June. In Ethiopia, its breeding period is every month except July and August. The nest is a pigeon-typical platform made of small branches, which is laid out with some roots and grass. It is usually in a small tree or bush, two to seven meters above the ground. The clutch usually consists of two eggs that are incubated for around 20 days. The young fledge 10 days after hatching, but remain in the nest for another ten days until they are fully fledged.
Distribution and Habitat[]
The Dusky Turtle Dove is present in Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Africa from Eritrea to Malawi. It inhabits middle and high elevations in a wide variety of habitats, including forest edge, woodland, gardens and cultivation.