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Overview
Sunda collared dove

Sunda collared dove

Wikipedia

The Sunda collared dove, sometimes referred to as the island collared dove, Javanese turtle dove, Javanese collared dove, or Indonesian collared dove, is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. Sometimes confused with the Eurasian collared dove which is very similar in appearance, the Sunda collared dove is a small to medium-sized bird, native to the tropical and subtropical islands of Indonesia.

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Distribution

Region

Sunda Islands, Indonesia

Typical Environment

Found across parts of the Greater and Lesser Sunda Islands, especially in lowland and coastal areas near human habitation. It occupies open country, agricultural fields, village gardens, mangroves, and edges of secondary forest. The species forages mostly on the ground but roosts and nests in trees, palms, and man-made structures. It adapts well to mosaic landscapes where scattered trees, hedges, and open patches provide feeding and nesting opportunities.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1200 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size28–32 cm
Wing Span45–50 cm
Male Weight0.16 kg
Female Weight0.15 kg
Life Expectancy7 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 2/5

Useful to know

Often confused with the Eurasian collared dove, the Sunda collared dove is paler and slightly sandier in tone with a neat black-and-white nuchal collar. It is an island specialist, native to the Sunda Islands of Indonesia, where it frequents coastal settlements, open woodland, and agricultural areas. Its soft, repeated three-part coo carries far at dawn and dusk. As with many doves, it builds a flimsy stick platform and may breed multiple times in a year.

Gallery

Bird photo
Bird photo

Behaviour

Temperament

wary but adaptable, often tame around villages

Flight Pattern

strong and direct with rapid wingbeats; occasional wing-claps on takeoff

Social Behavior

Typically seen in pairs or small family groups; loose flocks may form at rich food sources. Builds a flimsy stick platform nest in trees, palms, or on ledges. Clutch is usually 1–2 eggs, with both parents incubating and feeding the young. Breeding can occur year-round in the tropics, often peaking after rains.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A soft, rhythmic three-part coo repeated steadily, often rendered as coo-COO-coo. Calls are most frequent at dawn and dusk and can carry across open areas.

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