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Diamond Dove |
Sightings
Diamond Doves, although nominally present over most of the Australian continent, are not routinely observed by us in the area of Narrabri, NSW. The first sighting was in March 2008, near Narran Lakes, some 50 km west of Walgett, NSW. From there on, we spotted them in several locations along the Darling river (downstream), as well as Mt. Gundabooka National Park, some 50 km south of Bourke, NSW. There were no sightings further west or northwest, towards Broken Hill. This was at a time that the Darling River was starting to stream and had barely reached the weirs that need to overflow to feed the lakes at Menindee.
Photos
Male Diamond Dove (left) with two females, feeding on a dirt road (click on image for larger version)
Lateral view of a male Diamond Dove (click on image for larger version)
Habits
Diamond Doves are not shy at all and let people (and also cars) approach very closely. Being seedeaters, Diamond Doves are often found foraging by the sides of gravel or dirt roads.
We have observed a Diamond Dove flapping its wings, either both or only one, while sitting in a tree, possibly for fanning air in near-40 degree heat (see photos below).
Diamond Dove flapping both wings...
... or just one.