Namaqua Dove
NameNamaqua Dove
Common NameNamaqua Dove
Scientific NameOena capensis
FamilyColumbidae
Wingspan (cm)30.5
Length (cm)21.5
Weight (g)40
Plumage DetailsMales have a black face, chin, and throat, a grey crown and nape, and pale greyish-brown upperparts. The underparts are white, and there is a prominent white patch on the wing. The long, pointed tail is dark. Females lack the black facial markings, having a duller grey head and throat.
Vocalization / CallA soft, mournful, three-note cooing call, often described as 'hoo-hoo-hoo' or 'koo-koo-koo', with the middle note slightly higher pitched.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, desert, forest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread throughout sub-Saharan Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and parts of the Middle East, extending into Israel and Jordan.
Identifying Featuressmall size, long pointed tail, black face and throat (male), grey crown, orange bill with dark tip, white wing patch
Description
A small, slender dove with a distinctive long, pointed tail. Males are easily identified by their black face and throat, contrasting with a grey crown and pale body. They are typically found foraging on the ground in arid and semi-arid environments.
