European Turtle-dove

Streptopelia turtur

(S. t. turtur)

Armenian Name: Սովորական տատռակ
European Turtle-dove

See Plate 34 for European Turtle-dove and other similar species

Resident Status: Breeding bird
Abundance: Uncommon
Length:26-28 cm, Wing Span:47-53 cm
Distribution Map: Map 175.
Adult: Brown-orange above with black feather centers. Grayish-blue midwings. Neck and breast pale purplish pink. Black-and-white barred patch on side of neck. Red eye with reddish eyering.
Juvenile: Duller; lacks neck patches.
Similar Species: Differs from Laughing Dove by scaly appearance of back, more pointed wings, and shorter tail.
Behavior: Rapid agile flight with flickering wingbeats. Flutters wings and fans tail during takeoff and landing.
Habitat: Open woodlands, orchards, weedy fields.
Food: Seeds.
Nest: Loose platform of twigs in trees.
Eggs: 30 mm, 1-2, white.