The peaceful dove is a pigeon native to Australia and New Guinea. The peaceful dove is closely related to the zebra dove of south-east Asia and the barred dove of eastern Indonesia. Until recently, the three were classed as a single species, Geopelia striata, known as peaceful dove or zebra dove.
Region
Australia and New Guinea
Typical Environment
Found across northern and eastern Australia and southern New Guinea, especially in open woodlands, savannas, and lightly timbered country. It favors edges of habitats, riparian corridors, and areas with scattered trees and shrubs. The species readily uses human-modified spaces such as gardens, farms, and roadsides provided some ground cover and water are available. It avoids dense rainforest and very open treeless plains.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
The peaceful dove is a small, finely barred pigeon native to Australia and New Guinea, closely related to the zebra dove and barred dove. Pairs maintain strong bonds and often forage together on the ground with a characteristic wing-whirr on takeoff. It adapts well to lightly modified habitats, including parks and gardens. Its soft, repetitive cooing is a familiar sound across much of northern and eastern Australia.
In Cairns, Australia
Temperament
social and generally tame around people
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct flight and audible wing-whirr
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, occasionally forming loose flocks at good feeding sites. Monogamous pairs build a simple twig platform in shrubs or small trees. Both sexes incubate two white eggs and feed the young with crop milk. They spend much time quietly foraging on the ground near cover.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, repetitive cooing series, often rendered as a gentle, mournful ‘coo-coo-coo’ that carries at dawn and dusk. Calls are mellow and rhythmic rather than loud, with additional contact notes given during short flights.
Plumage
Fine black barring across the neck, breast, back, and flanks over pale grey-brown tones; smooth, close-lying feathers with a sleek appearance.
Diet
Primarily small seeds from grasses and weeds, supplemented by grains where available. It also takes small invertebrates such as ants and tiny beetles, especially when feeding chicks. Grit is ingested to aid digestion. Water is visited regularly, and like other doves it can drink by suction.
Preferred Environment
Feeds on open ground with scattered cover, including the edges of paths, lawns, paddocks, and along roadsides. Often forages near shrubs or low trees that provide quick refuge from predators.
