The content of the article
A large turtle dove is one of the largest birds, resembling in appearance the average size of a gray pigeon. The body length of representatives of this species is about 30 cm. The weight of a large turtle dove does not exceed 150 grams.
The main habitat of individuals is the African and Eurasian continent. As a rule, as a place for the construction of their nests, these relatives of pigeons choose rather tall trees in park areas and urban gardens.
Most often you can see this bird sitting horizontally on treetops or on telegraph wires. Feeding areas - side roads of country roads, footpaths. They move along the ground very quickly, in small steps. In the air, the turtle-dove flies straight and fairly quickly; it usually chooses small heights for flight, while moving it noisily flaps its wings, which emit a characteristic crash.
Turtle doves are sociable birds, often sitting in the trees, willingly allow a person to come along, however, as it approaches, they suddenly burst into the air and fly away. In those countries and regions where hunting is under way, representatives of the species do not allow anyone closer than 100 meters to them. The flight speed of these birds reaches 60 km / h. During the flight of the turtle dove you can notice a noticeable transverse light strip on the tail, which clearly distinguishes this species of birds.
Description and features of the form
The plumage color in adults of this species of feathery is creamy with a gray tinge, the feather cover of the wings is reddish with small black specks, the tail is dark with a characteristic transverse stripe of a light color. On the neck there are black and white spots. The legs of the bird are pink. Males of turtle doves, as a rule, are slightly larger than their girlfriends. The plumage of young birds is similar to the outfit of adults, however, it is not so bright, the legs are brown in color, the eyes are brownish, there are no spots on the neck.
Power Features
The basic diet of a large turtle dove is a variety of seeds, insects. During the warm period of the year, the main places for food are meadows, the coastal zone of small freshwater rivers. In the autumn, large turtle doves produce their food in the fields, collecting grains from the ground (wheat grains, rice, buckwheat, millet, hemp).
Habitat
The most widespread bird in Africa, Europe, Central Asia. The main habitat - steppe, forest-steppe.This type of bird belongs to the migratory, wintering place of turtle dove - South of the Sahara, Africa. From the winter hut to the nesting site arrive after the trees have become covered with leaf cover.
Differences male and female, especially breeding
Note that for such a species of bird as large turtle doves, sexual dimorphism is not a characteristic feature. The only difference between the female and the male is the larger size of the male, there is no difference in the color of the plumage.
The nesting period for representatives of this species of birds is rather long, often this is manifested by the fact that some pairs of birds are already hatching their offspring, while others are only starting to build and arrange their nest.
The male in the mating season attracts the turtle dove with its characteristic clicking and gentle, monotonous cooing. During the reproduction of such sounds, the bird's neck swells, and the head goes down.
As a rule, for nesting birds choose the edges, gardens, park areas, forest plantations. As a material for building a nest, plant roots and brushwood are used. Directly the nest itself is built on the branches of trees.
Number of eggs in one hoard - 2 pcs.They are gently cream or white in color, have the correct form. Duration of incubation - about 2 weeks.
After the offspring of the offspring, the parents take care and protect their chicks until the last independence is achieved. On the wing, juvenile turtle-doves become already after 3 weeks after spitting. As a rule, after that they leave the parent nesting site and form into small flocks (up to 10 birds). In regions with a mild and warm climate, in the period of nesting, turtle-doves may make several egg layings (not more than 2).
Voice features
Interesting Facts
- Turtle doves are a sociable type of bird, and very quickly get used to a person, therefore they calmly endure life in captivity.
- In accordance with the research, the DNA analysis of birds of the pigeon family, which includes the large turtle dove, revealed high rates of similarity with such an extinct species of birds, like the Dodo bird.
- The first documentary references to representatives of the pigeon family appeared more than five thousand years ago (Mesopotamia).
Video: Big Turtle Dove (Streptopelia orientalis)
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