Black-billed Wood-Dove
NameBlack-billed Wood-Dove
Common NameBlack-billed Wood-Dove
Scientific NameTurtur abyssinicus
FamilyColumbidae
Wingspan (cm)30
Length (cm)20
Weight (g)60
Plumage DetailsThe head and neck are pale grey, transitioning to brownish-grey on the back and wings. The underparts are whitish to pale grey. Key features include a black bill, reddish legs, and two to three iridescent blue-green spots on the wing coverts.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalization is a series of soft, mournful cooing notes, often described as 'doo-doo-doo-doo-doo'.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal and Gambia east to Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Somalia, and south to northern Uganda and Kenya.
Identifying Featuressmall size, black bill, iridescent blue-green wing spots, pale grey head and neck, reddish legs
Description
This small, compact dove is characterized by its pale grey head and neck, brownish-grey body, and distinctive iridescent blue-green spots on its wings. It typically forages on the ground in various wooded and savanna habitats, often near water sources. Its behavior is generally shy and secretive.
