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streptopelia decaocto

ï»?strong>Size: 28cm from bill to tail and a wingspan of around 50cm.

Status: Common breeding resident and abundant passage migrant and winter visitor, particularly to farmlands in north and south Oman.

Identification: Has an overall pale grey-brown appearance with a thin black collar, red legs and blackish wingtips, especially noticed in flight.

Voice: The song is a monotonous, three-syllable 'to-hoo-ho' with emphasis on the second syllable and repeated endlessly.

Behaviour: In Oman, it is a shy dove that, unlike the laughing dove (see Oman Today, February-March 2001), does not seek human company. However, huge flocks of up to several thousands may gather at large farms during winter where food is readily available on the ground in the form of leftover seeds, corn and other plant material.

Breeding: The nest is a flimsy platform made of twigs in the fork of a tree with two white eggs. May have more than one brood per year.

Where to look: Farm and wasteland all over the country as well as in the mangroves of northern Oman.

Distribution: Originated in India, Sri Lanka and Myanmar and has in recent times spread further into Asia and to Africa as well as to much of Europe. Has also been introduced into North America where its range is expanding.