SPOTTED DOVE

The Spotted Dove in Australia-A Traveller from Afar

The Spotted Dove, originally from Asia, was introduced to Australia in the late 19th century. It has since made itself at home, particularly in the eastern and northern regions — Queensland, New South Wales, and the Northern Territory — where the climate and food sources suit it well. Over time, its ability to adapt to different landscapes has allowed it to spread widely, from bustling cities to quiet country fields.

Appearance and Distinctive Features

If you spot a dove with a soft grey-brown coat, delicately sprinkled with white spots along the wings and back, and a black collar speckled with small white dots, you’re likely looking at a Spotted Dove.
Other distinctive features include:

• Underparts: A gentle pinkish wash, especially noticeable in good light.
• Size: Around 30 cm in length, with a slender build.
• Eyes and beak: Dark eyes and a slender, dark bill.
• Flight: Smooth and direct, with a faint whirring of wings.

The Sound of the Spotted Dove

One of the most recognisable aspects of the Spotted Dove is its soft, rhythmic cooing — a calming, repetitive “coo-coo-coo”.
This sound often drifts through suburban gardens in the early morning and late afternoon, giving the bird a deceptively peaceful presence despite its invasive status.

Habitat and Adaptability

Spotted Doves are highly adaptable and can thrive in:

• Urban and suburban gardens
• Farmlands and pastures
• Open woodlands
• Parks and grassy clearings

They are most often seen foraging on the ground, walking with a gentle bob of the head as they search for seeds, grains, and occasionally small insects.

Breeding and Life Cycle

In favourable conditions, Spotted Doves can breed year-round, allowing populations to grow rapidly.

• Nest: A flimsy platform of twigs, usually placed in a tree or dense shrub.
• Clutch size: 1–2 eggs.
• Incubation: 13–15 days, shared by both parents.
• Chick care: Young are fed with ‘pigeon milk’ — a nutrient-rich secretion from the parents’ crop.

Ecological Impact in Australia

While beautiful and often enjoyed by casual birdwatchers, the Spotted Dove poses ecological challenges:

• Competition for resources: They compete with native doves and pigeons for food and nesting sites.
• Predation pressures: By attracting predators into certain areas, they can indirectly affect native bird survival.
• Rapid spread: Their adaptability and breeding frequency make population control difficult.

Conservation Perspective

In Australia, the focus is not on eradicating the Spotted Dove entirely, but managing its spread to protect native species such as the Crested Pigeon and Peaceful Dove. Conservationists encourage:

• Habitat support for native birds (planting indigenous flora, avoiding excess lawn feeding ).
• Responsible feeding practices — avoiding supplying excess seed in gardens that may disproportionately benefit invasive species.
• Monitoring populations to understand long-term ecosystem impacts.

A Balanced View

The Spotted Dove is a reminder of how human activity — intentional or accidental — can change a landscape’s ecological balance. While it is charming in appearance and voice, it also represents the complex challenges of managing introduced species in Australia’s unique environment.

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