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: 104

Southern African Bird Names Explained - Author: Charles Clinning - Published: 1989 - Page: 136

The Birds of South Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Dr. Austin Roberts - Published: 1949 - Page: 128

The Doves, Parrots, Louries & Cuckoos of Southern Africa - Author: M.K. Rowan - Published: 1983 - Page: 59

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 2011 - Page: 224

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 South Africa - 4th Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1981 - Page: 227

Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 5th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1985 - Page: 307

Roberts Birds of South Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1975 - Page: 218

Newmans Birds of Southern Africa - 7th Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 2000 - Page: 196

Roberts Bird Guide - Author: Hugh Chittenden - Published: 2007 - Page: 86

Roberts Birds of South Africa - 2nd edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1957 - Page: 168

Field Guide to the Birds of Kruger National Park - Author: Ian Sinclair and Ian Whyte - Published: 1991 - Page: 100

Ian Sinclairs Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair - Published: 1988 - Page: 150

Newmans 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

Birds of the Transvaal - Author: Tarboton, Kemp and Kemp - Published: 1987 - Page: 115

Animals of the Kruger National Park - Author: G. de Graaff - Published: 1987 - Page: 79

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

A First Guide to South African Birds - 6th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1959 - Page: 115

A Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: O.P.M. Prozesky - Published: 1983 - Page: 146

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List of South African Birds