By James Ball
There are 14 Pigeon and Dove species found in Zimbabwe.
The two most common dove species found in Harare Gardens are Laughing and Red-eyed Doves. Cape Turtle Doves (now renamed Ring-necked Doves) and Emerald-spotted Doves can be found in woodlands such as Mukuvisi, Haka Park and also in the Harare Botanical Gardens. Others found on the outskirts of town are Tambourine and Namaqua Doves.
In other parts of Zimbabwe one will come across Blue-spotted, Cinnamon and Mourning Doves. Rock Doves (also known as Feral Pigeons) are very common at shopping centres, plus anywhere where there is spilled grain or bread crumbs.
The Laughing Dove is the only dove in the region with a pinkish-grey head and rufous chest with black spotting. Rather than a laugh, its call sounds like chortling. They lack the black collar on the hind neck. White outer tail feathers are conspicuous in flight. They occur as solitary, in pairs, or flocks, at sources of food or water. They walk quickly and easily and drink regularly at bird baths. Anyone who puts out seed for birds will find usually Laughing Doves strutting around under the feeders, pecking away at the spillage. The female birds are forever chased by randy males
The Red-eyed Dove is the largest ‘grey’ dove in the region and is most recognised by its call – “I am a red-eyed dove” – repeated over and over. It has red eyes inside a purple-pink eye-ring, as the name suggests, a black collar on the back of the neck and its tail feathers have a pale grey terminal band which is noticeable in flight. Similar to, but greyer than the larger Red-eyed Dove is the Ring-necked Dove normally resident in woodlands, but also found in suburban gardens. It has a distinctive repetitive call “Work harder” or, as some say, “Drink lager”.
Another woodlands bird is the Emerald-spotted Wood Dove so named because of the emerald green or golden-green patches on the outer webs of the wing. The underside of the wings is a rufous colour, edged in dark brown.
The Tambourine Dove can be found in Harare Botanical Gardens. The white face, throat and belly are diagnostic. It is the only dove in the region, with pure white under-parts and has the habit of turning its back to intruders. Cinnamon or chestnut wings very evident in flight.
The Namaqua Dove is the smallest dove in Africa and the only one with a long tail. Conspicuous black face, throat and upper breast of the male is distinctive. The yellow to yellow-orange bill with a purple base is very evident.
Rock Doves can be seen at most vendor’s stalls and bus-stops and come in all colours.
Most of these doves build the flimsiest of nests – sometimes just a pile of twigs balanced on the fork of a tree. Because of this, eggs sometimes roll out of the nest. Doves can often be observed on the ground with their wings outstretched. This is to allow the heat of the sun to drive away parasites.
BirdLife Zimbabwe Mashonaland Branch organizes regular bird walks for its members and non-members free of charge (however there may be entry fees e.g. National Parks or a tip required depending on the location). For further information please contact Tony Alegria: tonyalegria47@gmail.com, cell: 0772 438697.