Species Profile
European Turtle-dove
Streptopelia turtur
Turtle Dove
Quick Facts
Conservation
VUVulnerableAlso known as: Turtle Dove, European Turtle Dove
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Appearance
The European Turtle-dove is a medium-sized dove with a distinctive appearance. Its back and wings are mottled brown with black edges, creating a scaly pattern.
The breast is pale pinkish-grey, and the neck features a patch of black and white stripes. Their eyes are red, with black pupils, and their legs are purplish.
Females are often paler and duller than males, although it is difficult to distinguish between the sexes on appearance alone. Juveniles have a duller plumage, lacking the neck patch. During the breeding season, adults develop a slightly more vibrant colouration.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- Black
- Beak
- Grey
- Legs
- Red
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
European Turtle-doves breed across much of Europe and western Asia, favouring open woodlands, forest edges, and farmland with hedgerows. They require a mosaic of habitats, including areas for nesting and feeding.
During winter, they migrate to sub-Saharan Africa. In the UK, they are summer visitors, mainly found in southern and eastern England, with some occurrences in Wales. Most arrive in April and depart by late August, so there is a brief window to see these migratory birds.
Distribution
Where to See This Bird
Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.
Diet
European Turtle-doves primarily feed on seeds from various plants, including cereals, weeds, and legumes. They have a particular preference for fumitory seeds. Other important seed plants are Setaria, Chickweed, Rapeseed, Vetch and White clover.
These doves forage mainly on the ground, often in agricultural fields or at the edges of woodlands. They also supplement their diet with small invertebrates like worms, insects, and snails.
Behaviour
European Turtle-doves are known for their graceful, swift flight with rapid wingbeats. They often forage on the ground in pairs or small groups, pecking for seeds.
During courtship, males perform a distinctive flight display, climbing steeply before gliding down with wings and tail spread.
Calls & Sounds
The European Turtle-dove's call is a soft, gentle purring sound, often described as 'turr-turr'. This distinctive vocalisation is typically heard during the breeding season and is primarily made by males. The call has a soothing quality and is lower-pitched compared to many other dove species.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding occurs from late April to August. Males attract females with their distinctive purring call and perform elaborate flight displays. Pairs form strong bonds during the breeding season and often pair for life.
Nests are flimsy platforms of twigs, typically placed in trees or large shrubs, often in hedgerows. Females usually lay two glossy white eggs per clutch.
Both parents incubate the eggs for about 14 days. Chicks fledge after 18-21 days but remain dependent on their parents for another 1-2 weeks.
Conservation
The European Turtle-dove is classified as Vulnerable due to rapid population declines. Habitat loss, changes in agricultural practices, and hunting during migration are major threats.
Conservation efforts focus on creating suitable breeding habitats and reducing hunting pressure along migration routes.
Birdwatching Tips
- Listen for their soft, purring 'turr-turr' call in woodland edges and farmland
- Look for them feeding on the ground in open areas near trees
- Observe their courtship flights in late spring and early summer
- In the UK, visit nature reserves in southern and eastern England during the summer months
Did You Know?
- The turtle dove is featured in the famous Christmas carol 'The Twelve Days of Christmas'.
- They can fly at speeds of up to 60 km/h (37 mph) during migration.
- Turtle doves form strong pair bonds and often return to the same breeding sites each year.
- In a pioneering study, researchers attached a satellite transmitter to a male specimen and tracked his migration to the West African country of Mali and back, an impressive journey of over 11,000 kilometres!
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