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Peaceful DoveAlternative names: "Ground-dove", "Doo-doo" |
Sightings
Peaceful Doves were frequent visitors on the yard and lawn around the place where we lived until 2006, 20 km south of Narrabri, New South Wales. They are relatively small and well-camouflaged, which can make them hard to see in areas where grass has dried (e.g. in the farmyard). They come as pairs or in flocks of up to about a dozen.
Also spotted at Sawn Rocks, about 30 km north-east of Narrabri, in March 2007 and in various other parts of the foothills of the Nandewar Range, including e.g. Deriah Forest, some 30 km east of Narrabri.
Photos
Peaceful Dove resting in a tree (click on image for larger version)
Peaceful Dove on a paddock (click on image for larger version)
Peaceful Dove coming in for a drink from a puddle (click on image for full-size display)
Pair of Peaceful Doves foraging on our lawn (click on image for larger version)
Peaceful Dove in a Japanese Elm tree (click on image for larger version)
Lateral view of a Peaceful Dove (click on image for larger version)
View from behind of a Peaceful Dove (click on image for larger version)
Fledgling Peaceful Doves seen in January 2008 20 km east of Narrabri, NSW (click on image for larger version)
Habits
Being seedeaters, Peaceful Doves are often found foraging on the ground in groups. Astonishingly, they sometimes also rest on the ground, in open, exposed areas.
Below a pair seen taking a sunbath, one lifting a wing at the same time, reminiscent of the way chickens use their wings to cool their bodies by means of evaporating moisture under their wings. However, the birds in the photo below were seen on a relatively cool (27-28 C) day.
Peaceful Doves taking a sunbath, one lifting a wing exposing the underside to sunlight (click on image for full-size display)