Explore the Heart of South Africa: Nature, Culture, Adventure
African Mourning Dove
Afrikaans name: Rooioogtortelduif
African Mourning Doves have a sad sounding call
Photo © Steven Herbert
Streptopelia decipiens
The African Mourning Dove is similar to the Red-eyed Dove but not at all common. It is, however, common within the small areas where it is found. I have always found Satara Camp, in Kruger National Park, a good place to see them.
This dove mainly feeds on seeds but does eat a small amount of fruit and termite alates. The African Mourning Dove is normally seen strolling around on the ground looking for food.
It gets its common name from it rather sad sounding call. They grow to about 31 cm in length.
The African Mourning Dove makes its nest in the fork of a tree. Either 1 or 2 eggs are laid.
Roberts Birds Names by Edition
| Edition | Roberts nr | Scientific name |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 315 | Streptopelia decipiens ambigua |
| 2nd | 315 | Streptopelia decipiens |
| 3rd | 315 | Streptopelia decipiens |
| 4th | 315 | Streptopelia decipiens |
| 5th | 353 | Streptopelia decipiens |
| 6th | 353 | Streptopelia decipiens |
| 7th | 186 | Streptopelia decipiens |
| Edition | Roberts nr | English name |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 315 | Angola Mourning Dove |
| 2nd | 315 | Angola Mourning Dove |
| 3rd | 315 | Mourning Dove |
| 4th | 315 | Mourning Dove |
| 5th | 353 | Mourning Dove |
| 6th | 353 | African Mourning Dove |
| 7th | 186 | African Mourning (Mourning Collared) Dove |
| Edition | Roberts nr | Afrikaans name |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 315 | Klein Rooioog-tortelduif |
| 2nd | 315 | Klein Rooioog-tortelduif |
| 3rd | 315 | Klein Rooioog-tortelduif |
| 4th | 315 | Klein Rooioog-tortelduif |
| 5th | 353 | Rooioogtortelduif |
| 6th | 353 | Rooioogtortelduif |
| 7th | 186 | Rooioogtortelduif |
References and further reading
Wildlife of Southern Africa - Author: Martin Withers and David Hosking - Published: 2011 - Page: 104The Doves, Parrots, Louries & Cuckoos of Southern Africa - Author: M.K. Rowan - Published: 1983 - Page: 59
The Birds of South Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Dr. Austin Roberts - Published: 1949 - Page: 128
Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 2011 - Page: 224
Southern African Bird Names Explained - Author: Charles Clinning - Published: 1989 - Page: 136
Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 1993 - Page: 216
Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 6th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1993 - Page: 303
Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 5th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1985 - Page: 307
Roberts Birds of South Africa - 2nd edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1957 - Page: 168
Roberts Birds of South Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1975 - Page: 218
Roberts Birds of South Africa - 4th Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1981 - Page: 227
Roberts Bird Guide - Author: Hugh Chittenden - Published: 2007 - Page: 86
Ian Sinclair s Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair - Published: 1988 - Page: 150
Newman s Birds of Southern Africa - 7th Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 2000 - Page: 196
Newman s Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 1984 - Page: 196
Collins Illustrated Checklist - Birds of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: Ber van Perlo - Published: 1999 - Page: 37
Field Guide to the Birds of Kruger National Park - Author: Ian Sinclair and Ian Whyte - Published: 1991 - Page: 100
Birds of the Kruger and other National Parks - Volume 2 - Author: National Parks Board - Published: 1974 - Page: 6
Birds of the Transvaal - Author: Tarboton, Kemp and Kemp - Published: 1987 - Page: 115
Birds of Southern Africa - Kruger National Park - Author: Kenneth Newman - Published: 1985 - Page: 94
A First Guide to South African Birds - 7th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1975 - Page: 115
Birds of Africa south of the Sahara - Author: Ian Sinclair and Peter Ryan - Published: 2003 - Page: 206
Animals of the Kruger National Park - Author: G. de Graaff - Published: 1987 - Page: 79
A Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: O.P.M. Prozesky - Published: 1983 - Page: 146
A First Guide to South African Birds - 6th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1959 - Page: 115
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