Laughing Dove

The Laughing Dove (scientific name: Spilopelia senegalensis) was recently spotted in the Nagamalai Hillock Forest near Nambiyur in Erode. It is Known for its unique plumage and graceful nature, the laughing dove is a small pigeon that is often recognized for its soft, cooing call, which some describe as a "laughing" sound.

About the Laughing Dove

• Scientific Classification:

  • Scientific Name: Spilopelia senegalensis

  • Common Names: Laughing Turtle Dove, Palm Dove, Senegal Dove, and often referred to as the Little Brown Dove in India.

Distribution and Habitat

The Laughing Dove is native to a wide range of regions, including:

• Africa: Found across much of sub-Saharan Africa.

• Middle East & Indian Subcontinent: Present in Saudi Arabia, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India.

• It can also be seen in Israel, Lebanon, Syria, the UAE, and Turkey, often in areas where the population may have been introduced by humans.

• Australia: A population has been introduced to Western Australia.

• Habitat: Laughing Doves prefer dry scrublands, semi-desert habitats, and grasslands. They are typically terrestrial, feeding on the ground, and can often be seen in cultivated areas.

Physical Features of the Laughing Dove

• Size: It is a small pigeon, usually around 25 cm in length.

• Coloration:

  • Back, wings, and tail: Reddish-brown with a touch of blue-grey in the wings.

  • Underwings: Rich chestnut color when in flight.

  • Head and underparts: Pinkish tones that gradually fade into whitish on the lower abdomen.

  • Throat: Black spotting is noticeable around the throat area.

  • Legs: Characteristic red legs.

• Juveniles: They are generally more rufous in color, and their throat spots are less pronounced than the adults.

Behavior and Social Structure

• Feeding: Laughing Doves are quite terrestrial and typically forage on the ground. They can be seen in grasslands, farmlands, and even cultivated fields.

• Social Structure: Unlike other pigeon species, the laughing dove is not particularly gregarious and is usually found alone or in pairs rather than in large flocks.

Conservation Status

• The Laughing Dove is currently classified as 'Least Concern' under the IUCN Red List, indicating that the species is not facing any immediate threat of extinction.