Almost every person has repeatedly seen this unpalatable and noticeable bird. However, not everyone knows that the ring-tailed dove, which lives close to human habitation, has flown to us from the distant Balkans. After reading this article, you can expand your knowledge about representatives of this species.
Habitat
India is considered the birthplace of this small bird belonging to the pigeon family. However, already in the 20th century, it spread widely throughout the central part of Asia and throughout Europe. As a rule, common turtledove settles not far from people. It can often be seen next to the blue doves. Nowadays, it inhabits the Nile Delta, Israel and many European states.
Ornithologists have not been able to agree on a common opinion on the original habitat of this bird. Some are sure that she is a native of Asia Minor, others believe that Sri Lanka or India is the birthplace of this bird. Today, the ringed dove lives in Japan, East China, on the Arabian Peninsula and in South Asia. It is equally common in port docks, village courtyards, zoos, city squares, poultry farms and mills. This is one of the few birds that have adapted to exist next to people.
Ringed dove: description
The miniature body of this bird is covered with a plain gray-beige plumage. The head, neck and chest have a pinkish tint, which becomes brighter during the breeding season. The feathers at the tips of the wings, whose span is about 55 centimeters, are distinguished by a darker color.
Interestingly, the common dove has a long, wide tail. The eyes of a bird, the mass of which varies between 150-200 grams, are surrounded by a white border. The back of the neck of adults is decorated with a black half ring. On the head of the bird is a dark short beak. In general, it is very similar to a gray dove.
Breeding
Dovetail ringed monogamous. She creates a couple once and for the rest of her life. In the spring, it is separated from the pack, and the current begins. A male who wants to attract the attention of his girlfriend, with a candle flies up to heaven and decreases in spiral circles. Moreover, his actions are accompanied by a dull coo. Landing, he begins to show himself in all its glory, trying to win the favor of the female with the help of low bows and turns. For several hours, the pair is engaged in mutual cleaning of the feathers, and then proceeds to mating.
Nests of these birds are located on trees and shrubs. Having chosen a suitable place, the male brings the female twigs, from which she builds a stable flat nest. After completion of construction, the female lays two eggs. The hatching process lasts about 13-15 days. At night, the female is in the nest, and during the day the male periodically replaces her.
Chicks hatch in the light with an interval of two days. First, they need constant maternal care. During the first few days, parents feed the offspring burping contents of the goiter. Chicks grow very quickly and soon begin to feed on semi-digested seeds. Eighteen-day-old youngsters are almost completely ready for independent living. If there is a sufficient amount of feed, the parent couple manages to sit another brood. While the female incubates another clutch, her partner is engaged in feeding older chicks.
Ringed dove: taming and keeping in captivity
These birds easily adapt to life next to humans. Therefore, they can be kept at home. To do this, feathered pets need to build an aviary or a spacious cage. Like pigeons, they can be released to fly free. Birds accustomed to their master always return.
As for nutrition, doves eat the same thing as ordinary pigeons. The basis of their diet is any grain. They peck with equal pleasure small corn, millet, oatmeal and millet. They can be given an unlimited amount of greens, carrots and pre-soaked white bread. On average, one bird eats no more than two tablespoons of feed per day. In order to avoid vitamin deficiency, mineral supplements such as coarse sand, shell rock and crushed shells must be added to the diet of doves. In the summer months, it is recommended that feathered plantation and dandelion be given to birds.
Interesting Facts
The half ring, which is considered the main distinguishing feature of this species, appears on the neck of adult individuals. Young animals do not have it. Ringed dove considered a relative of the pink dove, recognized as one of the largest and rarest representatives of this family. A little more than ten years ago in the world there were about twenty individuals of this species. To preserve the pink dove population, scientists had to develop a whole program, thanks to which people managed to revive the endangered population.