laughing dove

bird
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Also known as: Streptopelia senegalensis, senegal dove
Also called:
Senegal Dove
Related Topics:
dove

laughing dove, (Streptopelia senegalensis), bird of the pigeon family, Columbidae (order Columbiformes), a native of African and southwest Asian scrublands that has been successfully introduced into Australia. The reddish-brown bird has blue markings on its wings, a white edge on its long tail, purplish legs, and a black bill. The copper-tipped feathers on the neck are prominent during the “bowing display” of courtship. The monogamous pair care for a clutch of two white eggs. Its call has a musical, bubbly quality, different from the cooing sound of most doves.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.