THE Tambourine Dove is a relatively shy bird with a distinctive call and is found throughout the Highway area.

Also read: Chirping with Kloof Conservancy – the Tawny-flanked Prinia

Description

The Tambourine Dove is a plumb, small dove at 22cm and a weight of 72g. The males differ slightly in colouration from the females, with the males having a striking pure white forehead and uniform pure white breast and underparts. The head, back and wings are cinnamon in colour. The females are similar, but their forehead, chest and underparts are a brownish white or sometimes gray-brown as in the photograph.

Distribution

In South Africa this species is only found in a relatively narrow band in the eastern parts of the country from Cape Agulhas through to Limpopo Province.

Habitat

The Tambourine Dove is a forest species and not often seen in open spaces. It also inhabits areas of dense vegetation.

Feeding

The favourite foods of the Tambourine Dove are seeds from a wide variety of plants, including grasses and trees. They will also feed on small fruits and opportunistically will feed on termites.

Breeding

This is a monogamous species, and they pair for life. The nest is built by the female from material delivered by the male. The nest is scrappy and consists of twigs, sticks, roots and is lined with finer root material. Both adults take care of the young.

Predators and threats

This species is listed as ‘least concern’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature but sadly as it is a very attractive bird it is often captured for the bird trade.

Local information

The Tambourine Dove is relatively common in the Highway area and will be seen in most well treed gardens. It enjoys bathing in bird baths

Interesting facts

The scientific name for the Tambourine Dove is Turtur tympanistria and refers to the rhythmic call of the dove. The word ‘tympanistria’ comes from Greek Mythology where Timpanistria was the name of a priestess who used tambourines in ceremonies to honour the goddess Cybele.

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