The Vinaceous Dove (Streptopelia vinacea) is a pigeon that is a widespread resident breeding bird in a belt across Africa just south of the Sahara Desert.
This species is abundant in scrub and savannah. It builds a stick nest in a tree, often an acacia, and lays two white eggs. Its flight is quick, with the regular beats and an occasional sharp flick of the wings which are characteristic of pigeons in general.
Further Dove Information
- Dove Information
- Index of Dove Species
- Photos of the Different Dove Species for Identification
- Doves & Pigeons as Pets
Vinaceous Dove is a small, stocky pigeon, typically 25cm in length. Its back, wings, and tail are pale brown. When flying, it shows a blackish underwing. The head and the underparts are pale pinkish-grey, and there is a black hind neck patch edged with white. The legs are red, and there is white in the tail. Males and females look alike, but juveniles are duller than adults. The call is a fast coo-cu-cu-coo.
Vinaceous Doves eat grass seeds, grains, and other vegetation. They are quite terrestrial and usually forage on the ground.
Unlike several other species in this genus, they are very gregarious and often feed in large groups frequently with other doves.
