The Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur) is a migratory bird, often associated with themes of peace and romance. Many people wonder why this bird shares its name with the shelled reptile, leading to a misunderstanding about its origin. The name’s true source is not related to the animal that crawls on land, but rather to the bird’s own unique vocalization. Unraveling this linguistic mystery reveals a deeper connection between the dove and the sound it makes in its woodland habitat.
The True Origin of the Name
The name “turtle” in Turtle Dove is an onomatopoeic creation, unrelated to the reptile. The bird’s distinctive, gentle, and low-pitched cooing call is described as a purring “turr turr” sound. This sound was linguistically imitated by the ancient Romans, who named the bird turtur. The Latin term then passed into Old English as turtla for the male and turtle for the female bird, before eventually becoming the modern English “turtle dove.” The name is purely descriptive of the sound the species makes.
Distinctive Features and Habitat
The European Turtle Dove is a small member of the pigeon family, measuring about 26 to 28 centimeters in length. Its plumage features a soft, sandy or grayish-brown back and wings that are mottled with black and burnt orange feathers. The black and white striped patch that appears on the side of its neck contrasts with its pinkish breast. This species is the only long-distance migratory dove in Europe, traveling vast distances each year. It spends its summers breeding across Europe and Asia before undertaking a journey of up to 3,000 miles to winter in sub-Saharan Africa.
Cultural Significance
The Turtle Dove’s gentle nature and behavior make it a symbol of devoted love, fidelity, and peace, largely due to its tendency to form strong pair bonds. The bird’s mournful call is referenced in the Biblical “Song of Solomon,” which describes the arrival of spring with the line, “the voice of the turtle-dove is heard in our land.” Its symbolic association with faithful romance is also why the “two turtle doves” feature prominently as a gift in the popular Christmas carol, “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Ancient Greek and Roman cultures used this symbolism, with the birds sometimes depicted pulling the chariot of the goddess of love, Aphrodite.