New Zealand Introduced Animals > Barbary Dove

Barbary Dove

Streptopelia roseogrisea

INTRODUCED; UNCOMMON; RESIDENT

DISTRIBUTION: Flocks have established near Whangarei, South Auckland, Rotorua, Whakatane, and near Havelock North.

HABITAT: Usually seen singularly or in pairs in parks, gardens, orchards and farmlands.

BREEDING: Nesting occurs predominantly in spring and summer. Two white eggs are laid on a platform of twigs. Young chicks are fed crop milk when young.

FOOD: In town they feed on food scraps, spilt grain and weed seeds. On farmland they feed on recently sown or stubble grain, and pasture and weed seeds.

CALL: Soft ‘coo-ing’ and a distinctive ‘laughing chuckle’.

GENERAL: The barbary doves brought to New Zealand probably originated from Europe as caged birds although the natural range of the species is northern Africa and Arabia.


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