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Browse the complete list of breeds and varieties for this species, along with the associations and federations that oversee them.

Summary of the species

The turtle dove (Streptopelia turtur) is a small to medium migratory dove characterized by a warm brown back and a pale grey head. Typical body length is 26–28 cm, wingspan about 50–60 cm, and weight generally 120–170 g. Sexes are similar in appearance. Its call is a soft, repetitive cooing.

Habitat and ecology: it favors open woodlands, hedgerows, and agricultural landscapes. Diet consists mainly of small seeds and grains, supplemented by berries and buds during certain seasons. Reproduction takes place in trees, with a clutch of 2–4 eggs; incubation lasts about 13–14 days and fledging occurs roughly 12–14 days after hatching.

Conservation and trends: the population is in decline across much of its range and the species is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Major threats include habitat loss and fragmentation, agricultural intensification, and hunting pressure in some areas.

Origin in detail

Geographic range and migratory habits: the species breeds across Europe and western Asia and winters in sub-Saharan Africa. Typical migration routes run through the Mediterranean and Atlantic coastal regions, covering distances roughly estimated at 4,000–5,000 km one way.

Breeding ecology: nests are usually placed in trees with a preference for open habitats at low to mid elevations (0–1200 m). Clutch size is 2–4 eggs; incubation is about 13–14 days; nestling depends 12–14 days before fledging.

Population and threats: long-term declines are linked to habitat loss (agricultural intensification, removal of hedgerows and deadwood), pesticide exposure, and hunting in some regions. The species remains widespread but increasingly localized and patchy.

Description in detail

Morphology: adults have warm brown upperparts with a greyish head and pale, buffy underparts. The tail and outer wing feathers are often lighter, giving a pale-edged look in flight. The species shows little sexual dimorphism; juveniles are duller and lack some adult plumage traits.

Behavior: typically shy and ground-foraging, often seen in small flocks outside of the breeding season. Call is a distinctive, repetitive ‘tur-tur’ or ‘turr-turr’ that carries in open landscapes.

Ecology and reproduction: nests are shallow cups placed high in trees; eggs are bluish-white to pale greenish with brown markings. Incubation is performed by both parents, with the young leaving the nest after about two weeks and becoming independent a few weeks later. Lifespan in the wild is usually several years, with most individuals not surviving beyond four to five years.

Available breeds

Known varieties