September bird of the month: Diamond Dove

5 things about Diamond Doves

5 things you may or not know about your September bird of the month, the Diamond Dove

1. They’re Australia’s smallest dove species

Measuring between 19‒24cm in length and weighing an average of just 33g, the Diamond Dove is the smallest of Australia’s doves. Also known as the Little Dove or Red-eyed Dove, the Diamond Dove is widely distributed across inland Australia and is a popular aviary species.

These tiny doves have a distinctive red eye-ring and pale blue-grey plumage, with prominent white wing spots and a large chestnut wing panel visible in flight. Their legs and feet and pink, and females are browner.

While similar in appearance to the Peaceful Dove, the Diamond Dove is smaller and slimmer, with a proportionally longer, wedge-shaped tail.

2. They’re never far from water

Diamond Doves forage on the ground, eating the small seeds of herbs and grasses ‒ and, like most seed-eating birds, they need to drink daily. They are never far from water, where they sometimes congregate in flocks of up to 30 birds.

While most birds must tilt their heads to swallow water, doves and pigeons drink by submerging their beaks and sucking up water like a straw.

3. Their wings whistle

Diamond Doves use their feathers to communicate. When flushed, they take flight in a burst of very fast wingbeats, creating a whistling frrr sound. Like other species of pigeons, this sound appears to be produced by their wings to act as an alarm, warning their flock of potential danger. To avoid detection, Diamond Doves will also sometimes freeze and remain motionless if a raptor flies overhead.

Their call is a slow, mournful, repeated coo–coo, coo, coo-coo, or a shorter, more harsh and nasal call. Diamond Doves will sometimes call at night, especially during their breeding season.

Diamond Dove call by Mark Harper via xeno-canto

4. They’re on the move

Diamond Doves prefer arid and semi-arid grasslands and woodlands where there is a reliable source of water, but are also known to venture into new areas (especially coastal areas) in response to the availability of water and food. The irregular movement of large numbers of birds into areas where they aren’t usually found, usually due to food supply, is called an irruption. Diamond Doves also breed according to adequate food and rainfall.

5. They love to dust bathe

Diamond Doves are well-adapted to dry, hot habitats, and will often dust bathe. The fine loose sand helps deter parasites and keep their feathers clean and well-maintained.