European turtle dove

Scientific name: Streptopelia turtur

How weight is recorded: Whole weight

Field notes

Appearance

Small, delicate dove with a distinctive black-and-white striped patch on the side of the neck. Rufous-buff upperparts, grey-blue head, and vinous-pink breast; males show slightly more saturated colouring than females.

Size and weight

Adults weigh 130–170 g; body length 24–27 cm. Sexual dimorphism minimal.

Habitat

European turtle doves occupy open and semi-open woodlands, farmland edges, scrubland, and cultivated areas with scattered trees. They favour warm, dry regions from lowland to mid-elevation zones (typically below 1,500 m).

Distribution

Breeds across southern and central Europe, North Africa, and western Asia; winters in sub-Saharan Africa. Prefers open country with cultivated patches and scattered copses.

Diet

Primarily seeds from small herbaceous plants, grasses, and cultivated crops; also takes small quantities of insects and invertebrates, especially during breeding.

Behaviour

Diurnal and crepuscular; pairs or small groups; highly migratory. Active fliers with rapid, direct flight; spend much time foraging on the ground and perching in low vegetation.

Hunting tips

Watch for birds at dawn and dusk near grain and seed sources; listen for their distinctive soft cooing call. Approach quietly through scrub and field edges; birds flush readily with fast, agile flight, so position yourself for clear shooting lanes. Glass open ground and field margins where they feed and roost in late afternoon.

Whole weight

This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.

Where it is hunted

Listed as huntable in 9 countries in Huntify.

Names in other languages

These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.