The red-eyed dove is a dove that is widespread and common in Sub-Saharan Africa. It has been listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List since 2004.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Occupies open woodland, savanna, forest edges, riverine trees, and cultivated areas, and is common in towns, gardens, and parks. Avoids dense, closed-canopy rainforest and extremely arid desert cores, but thrives in mosaics of trees and open ground. Often found near water and along roadsides where seed is abundant. Nests in trees or tall shrubs and adapts well to human-modified landscapes.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The red-eyed dove is widespread and common across sub-Saharan Africa and has been assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Adults have striking crimson irises and a black half-collar on the hindneck bordered by white, making them easy to recognize. Their deep, resonant cooing carries far and is often heard at dawn and dusk. They readily use gardens and parks as well as natural woodlands.
Temperament
wary yet tolerant near people
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid wingbeats and direct flight
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes in small loose groups at food sources or water. Monogamous pairs build a flimsy platform nest of twigs in trees or large shrubs. Both sexes share incubation and feeding of the young. Roosting can be communal in favored trees.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A deep, resonant series of coos delivered in rhythmic phrases, often glossed as a repeated ‘doo…doo-doo’. Males call from exposed perches at dawn and dusk, and display with wing claps during the breeding season.
Plumage
Plain brownish upperparts with a vinous-pink wash on head and breast, shading to pale grey on face and belly. Shows a black hindneck half-collar bordered below by a clean white band. Wings are warm brown with darker primaries; tail shows pale grey with white corners when spread.
Diet
Primarily consumes seeds and grains from grasses, crops, and weeds, taken from the ground or low plants. Also eats small berries and fallen fruit when available. Frequently visits farmyards and roadsides to pick spilled grain. Drinks regularly and often gathers at water sources.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mostly on the ground in open patches within woodland, savanna, gardens, and agricultural fields. Often forages at the edges of paths, under fruiting trees, and near human settlements where seed is abundant.
