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Feeding Spotted Doves: 16. Two adults and a juvenile

on 22nd June 2011

It has been nearly a year since I started feeding the pair of Spotted Doves (Streptopelia chinensis) in my garden LINK. Now, in addition to the original pair, there are a few other individual doves that come and feed when the pair is not around. There is also about a dozen Eurasian Tree Sparrows (Passer montanus) that feed together with the doves.

On the afternoon of 12th June 2011, I noticed a Spotted Dove moving with its wings somewhat drooping by the sides (above right). Then I spotted its partner in another part of the garden (above left). When both were together, the former suddenly chased its partner who immediately moved off. Both then started feeding on the birdseed that I scattered on the ground (below).

The dove with its wings drooping was obviously a recently fledged bird. It was asking to be fed, but there was no begging call as with newly fledged birds. Images confirm its juvenile status. The spotted collar seen in all adults is just barely seen (above, right bird).

When the accompanying adult flew off, another adult that was lurking around nearby appeared, threatening the juvenile who walked off the patch of birdseed. Subsequently, the juvenile appeared daily by itself looking for food.

YC Wee
Singapore
June 2011

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

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