About the Spotted Dove
The spotted dove or eastern spotted dove (Spilopelia chinensis) is a small and somewhat long-tailed pigeon that is a common resident breeding bird across its native range on the Indian subcontinent and in East and Southeast Asia. The species has been introduced to many parts of the world and feral populations have become established. This species was formerly included in the genus Streptopelia with other turtle-doves, but studies suggest that they differ from typical members of that genus. This dove is long tailed buff brown with a white-spotted black collar patch on the back and sides of the neck. The tail tips are white and the wing coverts have light buff spots. There are considerable plumage variations across populations within its wide range.
Source: Wikipedia
Classification
- Scientific name
- Spilopelia chinensis
- Family
- Pigeons and Doves
- Order
- Columbiformes
Similar species
Other members of the pigeons and doves family recorded in North America — a useful place to start if you are not certain of your identification.
- African Collared-Dove Streptopelia roseogrisea
- Band-tailed Pigeon Patagioenas fasciata
- Blue Ground Dove Claravis pretiosa
- Caribbean Dove Leptotila jamaicensis
- Common Ground Dove Columbina passerina
- Common Wood-Pigeon Columba palumbus
- Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes
- Diamond Dove Geopelia cuneata
- Eurasian Collared-Dove Streptopelia decaocto
- European Turtle-Dove Streptopelia turtur
- Gray-chested Dove Leptotila cassinii
- Gray-headed Dove Leptotila plumbeiceps
Know when the Spotted Dove turns up near you
How rare bird alerts work →Gear for spotting Spotted Dove
Optics
Best Binoculars for Beginners
You don't need to spend a fortune. These four pairs will get you birding confidently on day one.
8 min readRead guide
Cameras
Cameras for Bird Photography
From phone adapters to dedicated rigs, here's what actually works for capturing birds in the field.
12 min readRead guide