The diamond dove is a resident bird in Australia. The pigeon predominantly exists in areas near water but which are lightly arid or semi-arid in nature, being Central, West and Northern Australia. They are one of Australia's smallest pigeons along with the peaceful dove. They have been spotted occasionally in Southern Australia in parks and gardens when the centre of Australia is very dry.
Region
Australian interior and north
Typical Environment
Occurs across the arid and semi-arid interior of Australia, especially Central, Western and Northern regions. Prefers open country with sparse cover, including dry grasslands, open woodland edges, and spinifex plains. It keeps close to permanent or ephemeral waterholes, stock dams, and riverine corridors. During drought, it can move into towns, parks, and gardens, particularly in southern areas.
Altitude Range
0–800 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 4/5
One of Australia’s smallest pigeons, the diamond dove is easily recognized by its bright orange-red eye ring and white ‘diamond’ spots on the wings. It often runs rather than flies when disturbed and stays close to water in otherwise arid landscapes. Breeding is closely tied to rainfall, allowing pairs to raise multiple broods in good seasons.
Temperament
quiet, wary but tolerant around water
Flight Pattern
low, fast and direct with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small loose groups, especially near drinking sites. Monogamous pairs build a small twig platform in low shrubs or trees and typically lay two white eggs. Breeding often follows rain, and both parents incubate and feed the young with crop milk.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Soft, repetitive cooing, often a gentle two- to three-note phrase delivered by the male. Displays include bowing and fluttering while cooing softly around the mate.
Plumage
Fine gray to brown-gray with neatly spotted white ‘diamonds’ on the upperwings; underparts pale with a whitish belly and slight buff wash on the flanks. Tail is long and dark with white edges; flight feathers show warm rufous tones in flight. Face is smooth gray with a conspicuous bare eye ring.
Diet
Primarily takes small seeds of grasses and herbs gleaned from the ground. It occasionally consumes small invertebrates, especially during the breeding season. Grit is ingested to aid digestion, and it drinks daily when water is available.
Preferred Environment
Feeds on open bare ground, track edges, stockyards, and the margins of waterholes where seeds accumulate. Will also forage on lawns and in parks during dry periods.
