The barred dove, also known as temminck's zebra dove or the lesser sunda dove is a small dove that is native and endemic to the Lesser Sunda Islands in Indonesia and Timor-Leste. It is closely related to the zebra dove of Southeast Asia and the peaceful dove of Australia and New Guinea.
Region
Lesser Sunda Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs across the drier islands of the Lesser Sundas, including parts of Indonesia and Timor-Leste. It favors open habitats such as dry woodland, savanna, scrub, farmland, and village gardens, and it often uses roadsides and field margins. The species avoids dense closed-canopy forest but readily occupies edges, clearings, and secondary growth. It can be found near coastal scrub and occasionally along mangrove edges, especially where there are open patches for ground foraging.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called Temminck's zebra dove or the Lesser Sunda dove, it is closely related to the zebra dove of mainland Southeast Asia and the peaceful dove of Australia. It is often confused with the zebra dove, but has a warmer buff face and less barring on the central belly. Pairs form strong bonds and often forage together on the ground in open areas near human habitation.
Temperament
wary but tolerant of people
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats in low, direct flights
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups; forms loose foraging parties where food is abundant. Monogamous pairs maintain small territories, with bowing and cooing displays during courtship. Nests are flimsy platforms of twigs placed low in shrubs or small trees; typical clutch is two white eggs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Soft, repetitive cooing phrases delivered from low perches or the ground. Calls are mellow and carry modestly, often a series of evenly spaced notes that accelerate slightly.
Plumage
Fine black-and-white barring across the neck, upper breast, flanks, and upperparts with a warmer buff face and a paler, less-barred central belly. Long tail with contrasting white outer tail feathers; upperparts show subtle brown and grey tones.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small grass and weed seeds, fallen grains, and other plant matter. Also picks small invertebrates such as ants and termites, especially when feeding nestlings. Regularly ingests small grit to aid digestion.
Preferred Environment
Forages almost exclusively on the ground in open patches, along paths, roadsides, and in agricultural fields. Common in village gardens and at the edges of scrub or dry woodland where seed is abundant.
