Peaceful Dove or Spotted Dove?
Here's how to tell the difference
Peaceful Dove
Spotted Dove
Peaceful Dove
Geopelia placida
General appearance
The Peaceful Dove is a small grey-white bird with a blue-grey hued chest, a long and slender bill, and characteristic spotted black and white wings. Measuring around 20-24 cm in length, it showcases pink legs, a buff white belly and a distinctive two-part cooing sound that separates it from other dove species.
Male vs female
There is little sexual dimorphism in the Peaceful Dove; males and females share similar physical characteristics. Both sexes have a striking black line with white borders around their neck. However, during courtship, the male flaunts abnormal upright display, with the neck stretched height, revealing its expanded glossy chest.
Juvenile
Juveniles are nearly identical to adult Peaceful Doves but are a duller version of the adults. The characteristic spots on their wings are also less defined compared to the adults. Over time, they develop adult-like appearance as their plumage matures.
Size
7.9 - 9.4 in/1.4 - 2.3 oz
There's more to learn about Peaceful Dove
View full detailsSpotted Dove
Spilopelia chinensis
Also known as: Mountain Dove, Pearl-Necked Dove, Lace-Necked Dove, Spotted Turtle-Dove
General appearance
The Spotted Dove is an easily recognizable species. They range in size from 11-12 inches in length. The primary coloration of their plumage is a lovely light grey and pinkish below, with a distinctive black patch covered in white spots at the base of the throat.
Male vs female
Sexual dimorphism, which means observable differences in appearance between males and females, is not strongly present in spotted doves. Both males and females are similar in appearance. However, males may have slightly more vibrant colors and might be a bit larger than females.
Juvenile
Juvenile spotted doves display less vivid colorations than the adults, with a relatively plain, unspotted neck and pale undertail. They also lack the striking neck patch that is seen in adult spotted doves. Their coloration becomes progressively more similar to the adults as they mature.
Size
11.0 - 12.6 in/3.9 - 7.2 oz
There's more to learn about Spotted Dove
View full detailsHow to tell the Peaceful Dove from the Spotted Dove
Visual differences
The Peaceful Dove is smaller, measuring 8-9.4 inches and weighing 1.4-2.3 ounces, compared to the Spotted Dove, which is 11-12 inches and weighs 3.9-7.2 ounces. Peaceful Doves have a slender bill, a grey-white body with blue-grey chest, and black and white spotted wings. In contrast, Spotted Doves have a pinkish-grey body with a distinctive black neck patch speckled with white spots. Both species exhibit minimal sexual dimorphism, with males potentially appearing slightly more vibrant. Juveniles of both doves are duller and lack distinct adult markings.
Key differences and behavior
The Peaceful Dove and Spotted Dove, though visually similar, exhibit distinct behavioral differences. Peaceful Doves, at 8-9.5 inches in length, are notably aggressive during breeding but roam peacefully in pairs or flocks in non-breeding times. They inhabit dry open woodlands in Australia and nearby islands. In contrast, Spotted Doves, being larger at 11-12 inches, reside in light woodlands of Asia and adapt well to urban areas globally. Both species engage in cooing during courtship, but Spotted Doves include aerial displays. Peaceful Doves primarily eat ground foraged seeds and grains, while Spotted Doves consume a mix of seeds and insects. Both species nest in trees or shrubs and share incubation duties. However, Peaceful Doves are more urbanized, often found in backyards, whereas Spotted Doves are prominent in parks and gardens.
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