The spotted dove or eastern spotted dove is a small and somewhat long-tailed pigeon that is a common resident breeding bird across its native range on the Indian subcontinent and in East and Southeast Asia. The species has been introduced to many parts of the world and feral populations have become established.
Region
South, East and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Native from the Indian subcontinent through southern China and Southeast Asia, favoring open woodlands, scrub, farmland, gardens, and city parks. It avoids dense interior forests but thrives along edges, clearings, and cultivated areas. The species has been widely introduced, with established feral populations in Australia, many Pacific islands, and some urban centers elsewhere. It commonly forages on the ground in open, grassy or paved areas with scattered trees and shrubs for cover.
Altitude Range
0–2000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
Also called the eastern spotted dove, it is easily recognized by its black hindneck patch speckled with white. It adapts well to human-altered landscapes and is common in towns, farms, and parks. Pairs often bow, fan their tails, and coo in courtship, and typically raise two chicks per brood.
A close-up of the head
Spotted Pigeon Habitat Map
S. c. suratensis with a hatchling and egg at nest
Temperament
social and tolerant of humans
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with strong, direct flight
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small groups, often feeding together on the ground. Nests are flimsy platforms placed in trees, shrubs, or ledges, with two white eggs per clutch. Both parents incubate and feed the young, and in warm regions they may breed multiple times per year.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, rhythmic series of coos, often rendered as coo-bu-coo, repeated in steady phrases. Males often coo from a perch or during a short display flight with spread tail.
