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Tambourine Dove
Afrikaans name: Witborsduifie
Photo © Steven Herbert
Turtur tympanistria
The Tambourine Dove is found in the southern and eastern regions of South Africa.
Its preferred habitat is evergreen forest and riverine woodland.
Tambourine Doves mainly eat seeds and fruit. They also eat termites.
They make their flimsy nests in thick vegetation. Either one or two eggs are laid during spring or summer. The female does most of the work at this stage but the male does assist with feeding duties.
Tambourine Doves spend a lot of time on the ground in areas with lots of cover. They are shy and will fly readily when disturbed.
References and further reading
A First Guide to South African Birds - 7th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Year Published: 1975 - Page: 116Collins Illustrated Checklist - Birds of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: Ber van Perlo - Year Published: 1999 - Page: 37
Field Guide to the Birds of Kruger National Park - Author: Ian Sinclair and Ian Whyte - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 102
Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 5th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Year Published: 1985 - Page: 312
Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 6th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Year Published: 1993 - Page: 308
Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Year Published: 2011 - Page: 226
The Doves, Parrots, Louries & Cuckoos of Southern Africa - Author: M.K. Rowan - Year Published: 1983 - Page: 113
A First Guide to South African Birds - 7th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Year Published: 1975 - Page: 116