African Mourning Dove

Afrikaans name: Rooioogtortelduif

African Mourning Doves have a sad sounding call

Photo © Steven Herbert

Streptopelia decipiens

The African Mourning Dove is similar to the Red-eyed Dove but not at all common. It is, however, common within the small areas where it is found. I have always found Satara Camp, in Kruger National Park, a good place to see them.

This dove mainly feeds on seeds but does eat a small amount of fruit and termite alates. The African Mourning Dove is normally seen strolling around on the ground looking for food.

It gets its common name from it rather sad sounding call. They grow to about 31 cm in length.

The African Mourning Dove makes its nest in the fork of a tree. Either 1 or 2 eggs are laid.

References and further reading

Wildlife of Southern Africa - Author: Martin Withers and David Hosking - Published: 2011 - Page: 104

The Birds of South Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Dr. Austin Roberts - Published: 1949 - Page: 128

The Doves, Parrots, Louries & Cuckoos of Southern Africa - Author: M.K. Rowan - Published: 1983 - Page: 59

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 1993 - Page: 216

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 2011 - Page: 224

Southern African Bird Names Explained - Author: Charles Clinning - Published: 1989 - Page: 136

Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 5th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1985 - Page: 307

Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 6th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1993 - Page: 303

Roberts Birds of South Africa - 4th Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1981 - Page: 227

Roberts Birds of South Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1975 - Page: 218

Newmans Birds of Southern Africa - 7th Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 2000 - Page: 196

Newmans Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 1984 - Page: 196

Field Guide to the Birds of Kruger National Park - Author: Ian Sinclair and Ian Whyte - Published: 1991 - Page: 100

Ian Sinclairs Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair - Published: 1988 - Page: 150

Birds of the Transvaal - Author: Tarboton, Kemp and Kemp - Published: 1987 - Page: 115

Collins Illustrated Checklist - Birds of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: Ber van Perlo - Published: 1999 - Page: 37

Animals of the Kruger National Park - Author: G. de Graaff - Published: 1987 - Page: 79

Birds of Southern Africa - Kruger National Park - Author: Kenneth Newman - Published: 1985 - Page: 94

A First Guide to South African Birds - 6th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1959 - Page: 115

A First Guide to South African Birds - 7th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1975 - Page: 115

A Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: O.P.M. Prozesky - Published: 1983 - Page: 146

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List of South African Birds