Spotted Dove (Spilopelia chinensis) – A Detailed Study

Taxonomy & Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Aves
• Order: Columbiformes
• Family: Columbidae
• Genus: Spilopelia
• Species: Spilopelia chinensis

The Spotted Dove (Spilopelia chinensis) is a member of the pigeon and dove family Columbidae. It is a medium-sized dove known for its distinctive spotted neck pattern and soft, pleasant cooing calls. The species is commonly found across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and parts of Australia, thriving in both urban and natural habitats.

Morphology & Physical Description

• Size: 28–32 cm in length
• Wingspan: 45–55 cm
• Weight: 150–200 grams
• Plumage:
  • Upperparts: Light brown with subtle pinkish hues.
  • Underparts: Buff or pale pinkish.
  • Neck: Black-and-white spotted patch on the nape (hence the name “Spotted Dove”).
  • Wings & Tail: Dark brown with slight barring on the wings; tail is long and graduated with white-tipped outer feathers.
• Beak: Small, dark grey, slightly curved.
• Eyes: Dark brown with a subtle orange ring.
• Legs & Feet: Reddish-pink, adapted for perching and walking.

Habitat & Distribution

The Spotted Dove is an adaptable species, capable of thriving in diverse environments:

• Woodlands, scrub forests, and open grasslands
• Urban areas, gardens, and agricultural fields
• Coastal regions, including mangroves and estuaries

Presence in the Sundarban

The Sundarban, with its vast mangrove forests, mudflats, and coastal woodlands, provides an ideal habitat for the Spotted Dove. It is:

• Commonly sighted in buffer zones of the Sundarban National Park
• Found in open patches near human settlements, villages, and forest edges
• Perches on trees and shrubs in the drier parts of the mangrove ecosystem

Unlike some other dove species, the Spotted Dove does not prefer dense, wet mangroves but is often seen in transitional zones where mangroves meet drier woodlands.

Feeding Behavior & Diet

The Spotted Dove is primarily a granivore, feeding mostly on:

• Seeds of grasses, grains, and weeds
• Small insects and invertebrates (occasionally)
• Fallen fruits and berries

Foraging Strategy

• Feeds mostly on the ground, often seen pecking at seeds and grains.
• Visits agricultural fields and village courtyards near the Sundarban for food.
• Sometimes follows cattle or humans to pick up leftover grains.

Breeding & Nesting

• Breeding Season: Throughout the year, with peaks in spring and monsoon seasons (March to July).
• Nest Sites:
  • Trees, shrubs, or even man-made structures (near Sundarban villages).
  • Often well-hidden in foliage, providing safety from predators.
• Nesting Type:
  • A loosely constructed platform of twigs in bushes or trees.
• Eggs:
  • Two white eggs per clutch.
  • Incubation lasts 13–16 days, shared by both parents.
• Parental Care:
  • Both parents take turns incubating and feeding chicks with crop milk.

Vocalization & Communication

• Soft, rhythmic “coo-coo” sounds, often repeated multiple times.
• Males perform courtship displays, puffing up their chests and cooing to attract females.
• Uses low growls or rapid wing claps as warning signals when disturbed.

Special Adaptations

1. Camouflaged Plumage: The brownish-pink tones help it blend into natural surroundings, protecting it from predators.
2. Strong Flight: Capable of swift, low-altitude flights, allowing it to escape threats easily.
3. Adaptive Feeding: Unlike specialized feeders, it thrives on varied food sources, including human-altered landscapes.
4. Urban Resilience: Can coexist with humans in villages and cities, making it one of the most widely distributed doves in Asia.

Threats & Conservation Status

• Habitat loss due to urbanization and agricultural expansion
• Predation by birds of prey, snakes, and domestic cats
• Poaching for local pet trade (though not a major threat)
• Climate change effects such as altered rainfall patterns affecting food availability

IUCN Status: Least Concern (LC)

The Spotted Dove is not considered threatened due to its high adaptability and wide distribution. However, habitat degradation in the Sundarban could impact its local population over time.

Conclusion

The Spotted Dove (Spilopelia chinensis) is a graceful and resilient bird, commonly found in woodlands, urban areas, and the buffer zones of the Sundarban. Its adaptability to human presence, melodious cooing, and distinctive spotted neck pattern make it an easily recognizable and ecologically significant species. Ensuring the conservation of mixed habitats in the Sundarban will help maintain its stable population.