DIAMOND DOVE

Diamond doves are one of the smallest dove species, measuring about 18 to 20 cm in length.

They have distinctive plumage with a predominantly light blue-grey coloration on their head, neck, and upper parts. Their wings and tail feathers are adorned with intricate white spots and edges, giving them their “diamond” appearance. They have red-orange eye rings, and their eyes are dark.

Diamond doves are native to Australia and can be found in various parts of the continent, primarily in the northern and central regions. They inhabit a range of environments, including grasslands, open woodlands, and scrublands. In urban areas, they can also be found in gardens and parks.

Diamond doves are generally peaceful and social birds. They often form monogamous pairs and are known for their courtship displays, which involve bowing, cooing, and puffing up their feathers. They are ground-dwelling birds and spend a lot of time foraging for seeds and small insects.

Their diet primarily consists of seeds, especially grass seeds, as well as small insects and grit for digestion. In captivity, they can be fed a mix of small seeds, such as millet, canary seed, and finch mix, along with fresh greens and occasional fruit.

Diamond doves are prolific breeders and can reproduce throughout the year. They build simple nests, often in shrubs or on the ground, using twigs and grass. The female typically lays two small white eggs, and both parents take turns incubating them. The young chicks fledge and become independent relatively quickly.