The Laughing Dove is a resilient and adaptive species that continues to thrive across its wide range.

Scientific Name: Streptopelia senegalensis

Other Names: Palm Dove, Senegal Dove

Summary

The Laughing Dove (Spilopelia senegalensis) is a slender, long-tailed pigeon found primarily across Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and parts of the Indian Subcontinent. Favoring arid and semi-arid landscapes, such as scrublands and dry open areas, these doves are often spotted foraging on the ground in pairs or small groups. They are easily identified by the distinctive rufous and black patterns resembling a chequered necklace around their necks and their soft, chuckling coos.

Population

Population Size: The global population has not been precisely quantified. In Europe, the breeding population is estimated at 61,000–210,000 pairs, equating to approximately 183,000–630,000 individuals, which accounts for less than 5% of the global range.

Population Trend: Stable

Morphology

Dear Lykkers, the Laughing Dove is comparable in size to a Myna bird, featuring earthy brown feathers on its back and soft pinkish-brown tones on its underparts. Its unique "chessboard" pattern of red and black on either side of the neck adds to its distinctiveness.

Behaviour and Ecology

Social Structure: Typically seen in pairs or small groups, larger gatherings occur near waterholes in arid regions. These birds drink water like other pigeons.

Diet: Their diet consists of fallen grass seeds, other vegetation, and small ground insects such as termites and beetles. They forage mainly on the ground in grasslands and cultivated areas.

Flight: Their flight is swift and direct, with regular wingbeats interspersed with sharp flicks.

Courtship and Breeding:

Male Laughing Doves attract females through head-bobbing movements, gentle cooing, and behaviors known as ‘displacement-preening.’ Pairs engage in mutual preening, and males perform aerial displays, gliding down in a gentle arc.

The breeding season varies by region: year-round in parts of Africa, May–November in Zimbabwe, February–June in Egypt and Tunisia, and September–November in Australia.

Nests are flimsy twig platforms built in bushes, crevices, or under eaves. Both parents contribute to nest-building, incubating, and feeding.

Clutches usually consist of two eggs, incubated for 13–15 days. The chicks fledge within 14–16 days, and pairs may raise multiple broods in the same nest.

Predation and Parasites:

Predators include Southern grey shrikes, lizard buzzards, and Eurasian sparrowhawks.

Parasites such as bird lice (Coloceras, Columbicola, Bonomiella, and Hohorstiella) and the blood parasite Trypanosoma hannae have been noted.

Health and Adaptations:

Feral populations in Australia may suffer from viral infections resembling psittacine beak and feather disease.

Beak deformities and other health issues have been observed in some regions.