The turtle dove is widely recognized for its gentle, mournful cooing sound. This characteristic vocalization often signals the arrival of spring, creating a unique auditory presence. Its soft calls have made it a notable presence in various cultural contexts. Many people wonder how this bird received its common name, which seems to imply a connection to the shelled reptile.
The Origin of the Name
The “turtle” in “turtle dove” does not refer to the reptile. Instead, the name originates from the bird’s distinctive vocalizations. It derives from the Old English word “turtla” or the Latin “turtur,” both onomatopoeic. These words mimic the bird’s characteristic cooing call, often described as a soft “turr-turr” or “tur-tur” sound.
This onomatopoeic origin is shared across various languages. The Latin “turtur” was adopted into Middle English, eventually evolving into the “turtle” component of the modern English name. The European Turtle Dove, scientifically known as Streptopelia turtur, is the primary species associated with this naming convention. Its unique vocal signature directly influenced its designation, distinguishing it through sound rather than appearance.
Defining Characteristics of the Turtle Dove
The European Turtle Dove is a smaller, more slender member of the pigeon and dove family, typically measuring 26 to 28 centimeters and weighing 100 to 156 grams. Its plumage is brown on its back and wings, often mottled with black, and features a distinctive black-and-white striped patch on its neck. The head, neck, flanks, and rump are blue-grey, while its breast is a vinaceous (wine-colored) pink, transitioning to white on the abdomen and undertail. It has a black bill, red legs, and striking red eye rings.
This species prefers open woodlands, farmland, and areas with hedgerows and scattered bushes, often foraging on the ground for seeds. The European Turtle Dove is a migratory bird, undertaking long journeys between its breeding grounds in the western Palearctic, which includes most of Europe and the Middle East, and its wintering grounds in sub-Saharan Africa. It is one of the later migrants to arrive in Northern Europe, typically appearing in late April and returning south in September. These birds primarily migrate at night, capable of covering significant distances without stopping.