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Sunday, 14 July 2019

22-5-2019 MANA POOLS, ZIMBABWE - TROPICAL CAPE TURTLE DOVE (Streptopelia capicola ssp. tropica)


Streptopelia capicola ssp. tropica is a subspecies of the ring-necked dove, also known as the Cape turtle dove, found in tropical and subtropical forests from southern Africa to South Sudan. This subspecies is paler than other ring-necked doves, with a more pronounced mauve-pink hue on its neck and breast. Characteristics and identification Name: The subspecies name, tropica, refers to its tropical distribution. The common name for the species is the ring-necked dove or Cape turtle dove.Coloration: It is paler than other subspecies, with a distinctive, strongly tinged mauve-pink on its neck and breast. The face has less grey and the crown is washed with pink.Size: Adult ring-necked doves are around \(25\) cm long and weigh between \(106\) and \(200\) grams. Distribution Range: This subspecies is found in tropical and subtropical woodlands across a large range, from southern Africa to the southern parts of South Sudan. It also extends into parts of Kenya and Angola, according to some sources.Habitat: It inhabits a variety of open habitats, including savannas, bush, farmlands, and woodlands. Behavior Diet: Like other ring-necked doves, S. c. tropica is a seed-eater but will also eat berries, insects, and invertebrates.Social behavior: While often seen alone or in pairs, they can form large flocks, especially around water sources or feeding grounds.