Birds

Diamond Doves

June 5, 2011 by Clare M 6 Comments

Diamond Doves Geopelia cuneata are the smallest Australian dove and they are ground feeding seed eaters. They need water on a regular basis and as a result of this they may be found in large flocks on occasion at ephemeral lakes, but generally they are just in pairs. Their most distinctive feature is the bright red around the eye and it is very hard to mistake them for any other bird. The most similar species in size and feeding habits is the Peaceful Dove Geopelia striata, but they have a barred wing and neck rather than the spotted wing and plain neck. Around Broome it is very common to see Peaceful Doves, but on one occasion recently-for the first time-I was able to photograph a pair of Diamond Doves in our garden. I was faced with the challenge of photographing through a window initially and then crept towards a door and opened it carefully to get some further photos.

Here are two photos to demonstrate the difference between a Diamond and a Peaceful Dove.

As you can see they are rather different when you put them side by side. We hope they visit again!

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Written by Clare M
Clare and her husband, Grant, have lived permanently in Broome, Western Australia since 1999 after living in various outback locations around Western Australia and Darwin. She has lived in the Middle East and the United States and traveled extensively in Europe. She monitors Pied Oystercatchers breeding along a 23km stretch of Broome's coastline by bicycle and on foot. She chooses not to participate in social media, but rather wander off into the bush for peace and tranquility. Thankfully she can write posts in advance and get away from technology!