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.

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References and further reading

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

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

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

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

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

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

Collins 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: 100

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

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

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

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Dr. Austin Roberts - Year Published: 1949 - Page: 128

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

List of South African Birds