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Ringed Turtle-Dove

Streptopelia risoria ORDER: COLUMBIFORMES FAMILY: COLUMBIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

Ringed Turtle-Dove Photo

© S. Fried / VIREO

The Ringed Turtle-Dove has been domesticated for so long that its wild origins are not known for certain. It frequently escapes from captivity, and feral populations have become established in some cities in the southern United States.

Inside Birding
For complete information on this species, visit The Birds of North America Online.

Appearance

Doves
Doves

Adult Description

  • Medium-sized bird.
  • Small head.
  • Pale buff to white body and head.
  • Black half-collar on back of neck.
  • Medium-long square tail.

Immature Description

Juvenile paler and duller, with gray feet and eyes that gradually change to adult color. Eyes become yellowish, then orange, then adult red.

Range Map Help

Ringed Turtle-Dove Range Map
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Similar Species

  • Mourning Dove is darker, has pointed tail with white outer tail feathers, and a spot, not a collar, on its neck.
  • Eurasian Collared-Dove similar, but has dark gray undertail coverts, extensive black on underside of tail feathers, and is darker.
  • White-winged Dove has large white patch in wing, a black band above the white tail tip, and has a teardrop-shaped spot on face.
  • Introduced Spotted Dove is darker, and has a broad collar of black and white spots on back of neck.