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

1. Highly Adaptable: Thrives in open fields, human-modified landscapes, and natural habitats.
2. Efficient Seed Eater: Helps in seed dispersal, benefiting the ecosystem.
3. Strong Flying Ability: Capable of short-distance migrations and seasonal movements.
4. 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