Red Collared Dove (Streptopelia tranquebarica) – A Comprehensive Study
Taxonomy & Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Columbiformes
- Family: Columbidae
- Genus: Streptopelia
- Species: Streptopelia tranquebarica
The Red Collared Dove (Streptopelia tranquebarica), also known as the Red Turtle Dove, is a small pigeon species native to South and Southeast Asia. It is recognized for its distinctive rufous-colored plumage, sexual dimorphism, and preference for open woodlands and agricultural landscapes.
Morphology & Physical Description
Size & Structure:
- Length: 20–23 cm
- Wingspan: 35–40 cm
- Weight: 100–140 grams
Plumage & Coloration:
- Male:
- Distinct reddish-brown (rufous) plumage on the body
- Black collar on the hindneck (hence the name “collared dove”)
- Grayish-blue head with a slightly paler face
- Pinkish underparts
- Female:
- More dull brownish-gray, lacking the male’s vibrant reddish hue
- Collar is either faint or absent
- Juveniles: Similar to females but more muted in color
Beak & Eyes:
- Beak: Small, slightly curved, and black
- Eyes: Dark with a narrow pale ring around them
Legs & Feet:
- Short and pinkish-red, well-adapted for perching and walking
Habitat & Distribution
The Red Collared Dove is a terrestrial bird commonly found in:
- Grasslands, farmlands, and open forests
- Scrublands and mangrove edges
- Urban gardens and parks
Geographical Range:
- Native to South Asia, Southeast Asia, and parts of China
- Found in India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia
- Occasionally sighted in parts of the Middle East and introduced to some Pacific islands
Presence in the Sundarban
The Sundarban, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest tidal mangrove forest, provides an important but secondary habitat for the Red Collared Dove. Though not a primary mangrove species, it is found in:
- Fringe areas of the Sundarban, especially scrubby clearings and dry edges of the mangrove forest
- Agricultural lands, villages, and human settlements near the Sundarban buffer zone
- Sandy riverbanks and small grass patches within the forest
Seasonal Occurrence:
- More commonly seen during winter when some individuals migrate from northern India and China
- During the monsoon season, it prefers drier, elevated areas
While not a dominant bird species in the Sundarban, its adaptability allows it to utilize mangrove outskirts and nearby farmlands effectively.
Diet & Feeding Behavior
The Red Collared Dove is a granivorous bird, primarily feeding on:
- Seeds and grains (especially rice, millet, and wheat)
- Small fruits and berries
- Insects and small invertebrates (occasionally)
Foraging Strategy:
- Mostly feeds on the ground, pecking for seeds and fallen grains
- Often seen foraging in pairs or small flocks
- Can adapt to urban and semi-urban environments, frequently visiting farms
Breeding & Nesting
- Breeding Season: March to August (peaking in summer)
- Nesting Site: Prefers trees, shrubs, and sometimes man-made structures
- Nest Type:
- A simple, loosely built platform of twigs
- Usually placed on a low tree branch or a bush
- Eggs:
- Two white eggs per clutch
- Incubation period: About 14 days, with both parents sharing duties
- Fledgling Period:
- Chicks fledge within 12-15 days after hatching
- Parents continue feeding them crop milk initially
Vocalization & Communication
The Red Collared Dove has a soft, repetitive cooing call, which sounds like:
- “coo-COO-coo” (gentle and rhythmic)
- Used for territorial marking, mating, and communication within flocks
Its call is less harsh than other dove species, making it distinguishable in mixed bird habitats.
Special Adaptations
- Highly Adaptable: Thrives in open fields, human-modified landscapes, and natural habitats.
- Efficient Seed Eater: Helps in seed dispersal, benefiting the ecosystem.
- Strong Flying Ability: Capable of short-distance migrations and seasonal movements.
- Camouflaged Plumage: Provides protection from predators, especially in agricultural fields.
Threats & Conservation Status
Natural Threats:
- Predation by birds of prey, including hawks and eagles
- Nest predation by snakes and small mammals
Human-Induced Threats:
- Habitat destruction due to deforestation and urban expansion
- Pesticide exposure affecting food sources
- Hunting and trapping in certain areas
IUCN Status: Least Concern (LC)
- The Red Collared Dove has a large range and stable population, so it is not currently at risk.
- However, localized declines due to urbanization and habitat fragmentation need monitoring.
Conclusion
The Red Collared Dove (Streptopelia tranquebarica) is a small, adaptable pigeon species, recognized for its rufous plumage and black collar. While it is not a core species in the Sundarban, it does frequent the forest’s edges, farmlands, and buffer zones, making it an occasional but notable part of the region’s bird diversity.
Key Takeaways:
- Found near but not deep inside the Sundarban mangroves
- Prefers open scrublands, villages, and semi-arid regions
- Plays an important ecological role in seed dispersal
- Conservation efforts should focus on preserving its open woodland and farmland habitats