Spotted Dove

Description:

The spotted dove (also called lace neck dove or Malay spotted dove) is about 300mm in size and a New Zealand native. ADULTS - sexes alike. Head pale grey, pinkish at back. Black and white chequered patch on nape and side of neck, each feather divided and spotted at tip with white. Remaining upper body parts grey-brown with dark brown shaft stripes to scapulars and wing coverts. Wing quills black-brown. Tail dark brown and three outer feathers on each side broadly tipped with white. Bill black-brown. Feet dull red. IMMATURE - Head pale grey, Body brown above the dark brown shaft stripes on scapulars and wind coverts. Outer tail quills tipped with white. Bill dark brown. Feet brown-red.

Habitat:

Lives where trees and shrubs are abundant

Notes:

In New Zealand the spotted dove is common in many suburbs of Auckland and now slowly spreading north to Warkworth and south to Tauranga. Gathers food from the ground including seeds, fruits, insects and refuse. Long breeding season that peaks in spring and autumn. Builds a twiggy nest structure in tall trees well above ground level (about 4m) and lays two white eggs.