The dusky turtle dove or pink-breasted turtle dove is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is found in Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Yemen, and Zambia.
Region
East African Highlands and southwestern Arabian Peninsula
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Ethiopian and Eritrean highlands south through the mountains of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi, with populations west into eastern DR Congo and south to Malawi and Zambia. It also inhabits suitable uplands of Somalia and South Sudan, and crosses the Red Sea into the highlands of Yemen and southwestern Saudi Arabia. Prefers montane forest, forest edges, wooded ravines, and highland farmland including coffee plantations and gardens. Common around towns and villages in upland areas, often using open perches near feeding sites. Typically forages on the ground or low vegetation along paths, clearings, and fields.
Altitude Range
1200–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the pink-breasted turtle dove, it is a highland dove of East Africa and the southwestern Arabian Peninsula. It often frequents forest edges, gardens, and coffee farms, where pairs perch conspicuously on wires or tall trees. Its soft, rolling coos carry far in cool upland air. It is darker than other turtle doves, with distinctive white tail corners and a pinkish wash on the breast.
Temperament
generally shy but tolerant near settlements
Flight Pattern
strong flier with quick, direct wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, forming small flocks at abundant food sources. Monogamous pairs build a flimsy stick platform nest in trees or tall shrubs. Breeding often coincides with rainy periods, and both sexes share incubation and chick rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, rolling series of coos, often rendered as a mellow 'coo-oo, coo-oo' with a slightly mournful quality. Males deliver songs from exposed perches, especially in early morning and late afternoon.
