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

A First Guide to South African Birds - 6th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1959 - Page: 116

A First Guide to South African Birds - 7th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1975 - Page: 116

Bird Atlas of Natal - Author: Digby Cyrus and Nigel Robson - Published: 1980 - Page: 135

Birds of the Transkei - Author: C.D. Quickelberge - Published: 1989 - Page: 65

Birds of the Transvaal - Author: Tarboton, Kemp and Kemp - Published: 1987 - Page: 118

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

Field Guide to the Birds of Kruger National Park - Author: Ian Sinclair and Ian Whyte - Published: 1991 - Page: 102

Ian Sinclairs Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair - Published: 1988 - Page: 152

Newmans Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 1984 - Page: 198

Newmans Birds of Southern Africa - 7th Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 2000 - Page: 198

Roberts Birds of South Africa - 2nd edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1957 - Page: 172

Roberts Birds of South Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1975 - Page: 221

Roberts Birds of South Africa - 4th Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1981 - Page: 230

Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 5th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1985 - Page: 312

Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 6th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1993 - Page: 308

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 1993 - Page: 218

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 2011 - Page: 226

Southern African Bird Names Explained - Author: Charles Clinning - Published: 1989 - Page: 148

The Birds of South Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Dr. Austin Roberts - Published: 1949 - Page: 129

The Doves, Parrots, Louries & Cuckoos of Southern Africa - Author: M.K. Rowan - Published: 1983 - Page: 113

Wildlife of Southern Africa - Author: Martin Withers and David Hosking - Published: 2011 - Page: 106

BirdLife South Africa

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List of South African Birds