Streptopelia risoria
ringed turtle-dove
(Also: ringneck dove; Barbary dove)

Streptopelia risoria is a domesticated dove. Its distribution is a result of escapees from aviaries that adapt to their new wild surroundings. They originate from the savannas and dry woodlands of Africa. In the past, ringed turtle-doves were found on the Pescadores Islands (Goodwin 1983). Ringed turtle-doves have been bred in captivity in the Caribbean islands. From captive breeding in the Caribbean, accidentally released birds made their way to the United States where they have established sporadic populations (Geisler 1998). These doves may be found in colonies near Los Angeles, California (Goodwin 1983, Geiser 1998) and southern Florida (Geisler 1998). Other colonies have appeared in various parts of Illinois (Geisler 1998). (Geiser, 1998; Goodwin, 1983; Honolulu Zoo, 2002)

The wild doves from which these were domesticated live in scrub and grasslands (Honolulu Zoo 2002). The domesticated Streptopelia risoria can be reared in captivity in an enclosure that is a minimum of a cubic meter. They are especially adaptable to mixed aviaries with enough space so that they may exercise their wings (Honolulu Zoo 2002). (Honolulu Zoo, 2002)

Ringed turtle-doves are slightly larger than African collared doves (Goodwin 1983). Their length is approximately 305 mm (Honolulu Zoo 2002). Their tail is shorter than that for the African collared dove (Goodwin 1983).

Overall, Streptopelia risoria is a warm creamy buff color. There is a black semi-collar on the hind neck. On the chin, belly, and under the tail coverts, the coloration is whitish. The primaries and proximal wing coverts are a light grey with lighter grey on the wing edge. Under the tail, the feathers are somewhat black and white patterned. The eye is a ruby red, the bill is a dark purplish-black with silvery edging, and the feet are purplish-red. Juveniles are paler than the adults and similar to juvenile Streptopelia roseogrisea (Goodwin 1983).

A number of varieties of this dove have been bred. Back-crossing Streptopelia risoria with wild S. roseogrisea has resulted in a domesticated bird with the coloration of the wild bird. Aviculturalists have bred a white variety for many years. In more recent years, peach and rosy varieties have been bred (Goodwin 1983). (Goodwin, 1983; Honolulu Zoo, 2002)

Both males and females of this species use several different call types, which are associated with various activities such as nesting. They also use visual displays such as wing-clapping and wing-twitching.

Despite being domesticated, ringed turtle-doves will freeze in place if a large shadow overhead appears to be hawk-like (Goodwin 1983).

Ringed turtle-doves are fond of water bathing and will lay on one side in a shallow pool of water with the wing on the other side of the body extended upward (Pappas, personal observation). (Goodwin, 1983; Honolulu Zoo, 2002)

This dove has a number of calls. Both males and females call, but the female's calls are usually softer with a more trill or rolling "rr" uttered in the calls. The advertising call is uttered as "koo, krroo" or "koo, kooroo-wa." There is also a nest call and display coo which are similar to each other. The excitement call is described as a high-pitched jeering laugh. This call is uttered as the male greets the female or another Streptopelia risoria. He may also utter the display coo before his bowing display (Goodwin 1983).

Streptopelia risoria engages in bowing behavior much like S. roseogrisea (Goodwin 1983, Honolulu Zoo 2002). The display flight of quick ascent with loud wing clapping, then gliding downwards stiffly with spreadout wings and tail is performed by this dove. Ringed turtle-doves will also display using wing-twitching such as that exhibited by Columba species. This display is performed in relation to nesting activities (Goodwin 1983). (Goodwin, 1983; Honolulu Zoo, 2002)

This dove consumes a variety of grains such as cracked corn, red and white millet, wheat, safflower seed, hemp seed, and niger seed (Honolulu Zoo). They will feed on the ground as well as peck at low growing plants (Gos 1989). Ringed turtle-doves do not husk the seeds upon which they feed (Honolulu Zoo 2002). (Gos, 1989; Honolulu Zoo, 2002)

This dove is especially tame and well-liked by aviculturalists. This dove does not adversely affect humans.

This dove may be found in aviaries and has been bred in captivity for many years (Harper 1986). In fact, this dove is considered to be exceptionally tame (Goodwin 1983). They are also commonly used in scientific research. (Goodwin, 1983)

This dove is a domesticated form of Streptopelia roseogrisea found in aviaries. Therefore, conservation status is not applicable.

This species of Streptopelia is closely related to S. roseogrisea, as a domesticated version of the wild stock. Domestication occurred 2000 to 3000 years ago (Pire 2000). In 1758, Linnaeus recognized S.risoria worthy of species status. The Integrated Taxonomic Information System states that S. risoria is a valid taxonomic name. However, many ornithologists do not subscribe to species status for this dove (e.g., Goodwin 1983).

These doves are also known as barbary doves, Java doves, or Eurasian collard-doves to some, although these, like the name "ringed turtle-dove" are misnomers (Goodwin 1983). Some aviculturalists simply refer to these doves as ring-necked doves (Honolulu Zoo 2002). (Goodwin, 1983; Pire, 2000)