African Mourning Dove

Streptopelia decipiens

Other Names

  Mourning Collared-Dove, Mourning Dove, Angola Collared-Dove, Collared Dove   Tourterelle pleureuse   Brillentaube   Tórtola Engañosa   Sorgduva   Treurtortel   Tortora lamentosa

World: Afrotropical, ranging west to east from Senegal to Somalia and then south to northern Namibia across to the NE of South Africa

Kenya: Occurs across much of the country, being most common in drier areas in bush or trees near water. Scarce in the Highlands and mostly absent from the Coast

Normally found in pairs or small groups often close to habitation or along watercourses. It is most vocal in the early morning and evening. They can often be seen bathing in small pools and are frequent visitors to bird tables. They are very similar to the Ring-necked Dove (Streptopelia capicola) but can be distinguished by the red orbital ring which can be seen clearly in the photographs above