Namaqua Dove

Oena capensis

Other Pics: Female Namaqua Dove

Other Names

  Long-Tailed Dove, Cape Dove   Tourterelle masquée, Colombe masque-de-fer, Tourterelle masque-de-fer, Tourtelette masquée, Tourtelette masque-de-fer, Tourterelle du Cap   Kaptäubchen   Tortolita Rabilarga   Långstjärtsduva   Maskerduif   Tortorella del Capo

World: Widespread in Africa south of 20°N except for the equatorial lowland forest areas of West Africa.

Kenya: Common in bush habitats in drier country throughout Kenya.

With a length of only 8-9" (200-225mm), including its long tail, the Namaqua Dove is small. It is basically a solitary bird which is widespread in dry bush and around cultivation at elevations below 1600m. It's very easy to identify - there is no other Dove or Pigeon that looks remotely like it!