zebra dove

Description:

Zebra doves are larger than diamond doves. Our zebra doves weigh between 50 and 60 grams while our diamonds weigh between 28 and 40 grams. The zebra's body seems short and stubby when compared to the diamond dove's long, slender body. The zebra dove may not be as popular as the diamond dove but it is a widely kept cage bird throughout the world. In Thailand farms exist that are devoted to raising the zebra dove to sell to people living in that country who believe that having a zebra dove in the home will bring the family good luck. Their call is so special that they have cooing contests every year in Thailand. The zebra dove is similar to the barred dove (Geopelia maugei) and the peaceful dove (Geopelia placida). Previously all three species were included under the species name Geopelia striata. Vriends (4) indicates that there are six subspecies but does not identify them. He lists the peaceful dove and two subspecies separately, so one would assume his zebra dove subspecies do not include either of them.

Habitat:

Zebra doves are usually found in dry, open habitat with some scrub vegetation which is used for cover. Sometimes they are found in dry wooded areas. Like many other doves they can be seen in villages and towns in gardens and parks, and also in cultivated areas This bird is native to southern Thailand, the Malaysian peninsula, Sumatra. Java, Bali and Lombok. It has been introduced in Borneo, Celebes, the Philippines and in more distant locations such as Tahiti, Hawaii, and the the Seychelles. Unfortunately it has been widely trapped for the cage bird trade and has become somewhat scarce in its natural range. However in Thailand the bird is so popular it is now raised on large farms

Notes:

Zebras feed on small seeds where the ground is bare in open spaces among thorn scrub, roadsides, paths, and in gardens. The birds also eats insects and it was recommended to me that I replace this part of their diet by using a certain kind of dog food along with the usual finch seed that is given to the diamonds. The zebra dove's bow coo (bow screech) are similar to the diamond dove's, however they stand more erect and the beak never approaches the ground. Although the tail is fanned, the spread is narrow and is much less notable than the full spread of the diamond dove. The coo is much louder than the diamond's coo and is more like a scream. Zebra doves build a fragile nest of twigs that are usually located in a tree or shrub close to the ground or up to 12 feet high. Zebra's lay two white eggs. I have seen no information on the incubation period but I would assume that it would be 13 to 14 days as it is for the diamond dove and the peaceful dove.