 |
|
||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||
|
Endemic Species White-whiskered Laughingthrush
Yellow Tit
Endemic Sub-Species
Winter Wren
More Birds in Taiwan
|
Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis
The Spotted Dove (30 cm) has a light gray head, pinkish-brown underparts and brown back, wings and tail. The feathers of the back have pale edges, giving a subtle scaly appearance, and the tail is fairly long with broad white tips on the outer feathers. There is a bright black and white checkered patch on the sides and back of the neck, from which it derives its name "Spotted". Its bill is black and its legs and feet purplish red. Sexes are alike. The formosae subspecies, listed by some authorities, is not included in the Handbook of Birds of the World (Lynx Edicions), and probably does not merit separation from the very similar mainland Chinese chinensis subspecies. The Spotted Dove is found in a variety of habitats including lowlands, moist deciduous forests and human-created environments such as gardens, cultivated areas and parks. Its call has been described as "krookruk-krukoo" or ter-kuk-kurr", with emphasis on the last syllable. The Spotted Dove is usually found in pairs or small groups and feeds mainly on seeds, including grain, taken on the ground. The nest of the Spotted Dove is a loose platform of twigs and grass stems, often placed low in a bush or tree, and usually two eggs are laid. The breeding period is between February and July in Taiwan, where it is a common resident year-round, and is easy to see around human habitations.
References: Handbook of Birds of the World Vol. 4; A Field Guide to the Birds of China (Mackinnon and Phillipps); 100 Common Birds of Taiwan (Wild Bird Society of Taipei); The Complete Guide to Birds in Taiwan (Jin-yuan Wang)
|
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
