Spotted Dove

1. Black Spotted Collar: The most recognizable feature is the black half-collar on the hindneck, decorated with white spots.

2. White-Tipped Tail Feathers: In flight, the broad white tips on the outer tail feathers create prominent white corners

3. Adults have a pale grey head that transitions into a pinkish-brown neck and breast, with dark grey-brown upperparts featuring pale feather edges

Primarily seed-eaters, Spotted Doves forage on the ground for grass seeds, grains, and occasionally insects like winged termites. Breeding occurs year-round but peaks from September to December in southern Australia. Males perform aerial display flightsrising steeply with wing clapping before gliding down with spread wings and tailto court females. Their nests are simple platforms of twigs built in trees or shrubs. Both parents incubate two white eggs for about 14–16 days and care for the chicks until fledging occurs two weeks later.

Spotted Doves are commonly found in parks, gardens, streets, and agricultural areas near human habitation. They forage for seeds on lawns and roadsides and perch conspicuously on fences, power lines, or trees during midday. Rarely venturing into native bushland, they are most active in modified environments.

Introduced to Australia through multiple releases starting in Melbourne during the 186s, Spotted Doves spread via railways and agricultural development.