The turtledove (Streptopelia turtur) is a migratory bird species recognized for its gentle appearance and distinctive vocalizations. Found across Europe, Africa, and Asia, this bird is often encountered in its natural environments and holds a notable place in various cultures.
Distinctive Features
The turtledove is a dainty bird, smaller than many other dove species, typically measuring between 26 and 28 centimeters in length with a wingspan of 47 to 53 centimeters. Its weight ranges from 130 to 180 grams.
The plumage of an adult turtledove features a pale chestnut upperwing with a scaled pattern of black and burnt orange, resembling a tortoiseshell. Its head is blue-grey, while the throat and breast display a pinkish-grey hue, transitioning into a white belly. A black-and-white striped patch adorns each side of its neck. The bird’s eyes are light orange with a dark pink eye-ring, and it has a black bill and pink legs. The tail is black with white tips, particularly noticeable when fanned during flight.
Its characteristic soft, purring cooing sound, often described as a “turrr, turrr,” is thought to be the origin of its name. This melodic vocalization is frequently the first indication of a turtledove’s presence, especially during the breeding season.
Natural Habitat and Lifestyle
Turtledoves breed across the western Palearctic, including Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, migrating south to winter in sub-Saharan Africa. They are found in open woodlands, farmlands, hedgerows, and scrubland, often favoring areas where woodland and agricultural landscapes meet. For nesting, they prefer dense woody vegetation such as tall hedgerows or thorny shrubs. They construct simple twig nests, usually laying two eggs per clutch. Both parents share incubation and raising young.
The diet of turtledoves is primarily granivorous, meaning they feed on seeds. They forage on the ground, consuming seeds from wild plants like chickweed and fumitory, as well as cereal grains such as wheat, barley, and oilseed rape. During their mostly nocturnal migration, they arrive in European breeding grounds from mid-April to May and depart for Africa between July and September.
Symbolic Meaning
Turtledoves are widely associated with love, peace, and devotion. This symbolism stems from their perceived monogamous nature and the belief that they form strong, lifelong pair bonds. Their gentle cooing sounds also contribute to their association with tranquility and harmony.
Frequently depicted in literature, art, and popular culture, they represent loyalty, fidelity, and enduring partnership. In various spiritual traditions, turtledoves symbolize purity, innocence, and spiritual renewal.