THIS week we look at a very common and cheerful bird, the Laughing Dove.

Also read: Chirping with Kloof Conservancy – the Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird

Description

The Laughing Dove is one of the smaller species in the dove and pigeon family measuring 25cm and a weight of approximately 100g. It has a long tail and is quite slim in appearance. It has a lilac-tinged head and neck and is pinkish brown on the underside. The sides of the neck have chequered rufous and grey patches. The upper parts are brownish with a bluish-grey band along the wing. The back is bluish grey and the tail is tipped in white. Males and females are identical in appearance.

Distribution

The Laughing Dove is found throughout Africa as well as parts of the Middle East and as far as India. It is common throughout SA across all provinces.

Habitat

This is a very adaptable species which is comfortable in almost any habitat but does seem to prefer the somewhat drier areas. It has adapted well to living in urban areas.

Feeding

The Laughing Dove feeds almost exclusively on seeds which it forages on the ground. It will opportunistically also feed on ants, termites and snails.

Breeding
The nests are built by the female using sticks supplied by the male. The female is quite fussy and will reject unsuitable sticks! The nest is a shallow platform of sticks with a slight central depression and are built in trees usually well above ground. The female will lay between one and four eggs which are incubated by both adults. Care of the young chicks is done by both adults.

Predators and threats

This species is plentiful and not considered under any threat. It is preyed upon by a variety of small to medium sized raptors like Sparrowhawks and is an important element of the raptor food chain.

Local information

The Laughing Dove is common throughout the Highway area and can often be spotted feeding on the ground in one of our many parks or gardens.

Interesting facts

Does the Laughing Dove really laugh? Its name derives from its call: ha ha hoo hoo hoo hoo hoo. Doves have had a deep connection with humans and are often depicted as symbols of peace by many societies. Laughing Doves in particular are seen as symbols of fertility, motherhood, and a change in family circumstances.

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