Birds
Diamond dove
geopelia cuneata
IUCN Red ListLeast Concern
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Diamond dove
- Description
- The diamond dove is one of the world's smallest doves, measuring just 19–24 cm and weighing around 30–40 g. Its blue-grey plumage is scattered with the white wing spots that give the bird its name, and a striking orange-red ring encircles each eye. Hens are duller than the cocks. Gentle and undemanding, it is one of the most popular aviary birds worldwide.
- Habitat
- Inhabits the dry and semi-arid interior of Australia — grassy plains, scrub and open woodland, usually within reach of water.
- Diet
- Feeds mainly on small grass and herb seeds gathered from the ground, occasionally taking tiny insects.
- Reproduction
- Builds a flimsy twig nest in which the hen usually lays two white eggs. Both parents share the roughly 13–14 day incubation, and the young leave the nest after about two weeks.
- Lifespan
- Around 5–7 years in the wild, commonly 10 years or more under human care.
- Did you know?
- Despite its tiny size it is one of Australia's most widespread doves, and its soft, drawn-out cooing carries surprisingly far.
Homeland & habitat
Where the diamond dove lives
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AustraliaThe diamond dove comes from Australia's arid interior, where it lives on grassy plains and scrub near water.
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Native range
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10 facts about the diamond dove
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- GroupBirdsMěkkozobí (Columbiformes) · Holubovití (Columbidae)
- Scientific namegeopelia cuneataLatin name of the species
- Homeland & habitatObývá suché a polosuché vnitrozemí Austrálie — travnaté pláně, buš a řídké porosty, obvykle v dosahu vodních zdrojů.
- DietŽiví se převážně drobnými semeny trav a bylin, která sbírá na zemi; příležitostně pozře i drobný hmyz.
- ReproductionStaví jednoduché řídké hnízdo z větviček, do něhož samice klade zpravidla 2 bílá vejce. Na inkubaci trvající asi 13–14 dní se střídají oba rodiče a mláďata opouštějí hnízdo přibližně po dvou týdnech.
- LifespanV přírodě se dožívá kolem 5–7 let, v lidské péči běžně 10 i více let.
- Conservation statusLeast ConcernAccording to the IUCN Red List
- Did you know…?Přes svou drobnou velikost patří k nejrozšířenějším holubům Austrálie a jeho tiché, táhlé vrkání se nese překvapivě daleko.
- Where in the zooArea A — aviaries and exhibits
- How many we keep♂ 1 · ♀ 1total: 2
Conservation status
Species vulnerability index
Least Concern
Near Threatened
Vulnerable
Endangered
Critically Endangered
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