Spotted Dove (Spilopelia chinensis):

Many people (including myself till recently) do not see this as any different dove, but in fact this is called Spotted Dove! Look at its trademark spotted region behind its neck, you can recognize it at first glance. In our campus they are seen mostly in company with other species picking grains. But these birds were never seen in groups, generally preferring to stay alone or in pairs. These are mostly silent and if at all you here something, all you hear is low coo-coos or more like croo-croos I should say! Well, listen to them next time and tell me which call you hear.

Disctinctive Identifiers:

1. Scaly  patterns upperparts and wings

2. Buff color or pinkish color body

3. Brownish tail

4. Black wing base

5. Black and white chequered/spotted patch behind its neck giving the bird its name.

So, next time you see one such as below, don’t assume them to be your normal pigeons or common doves!

Spotted Dove

Spotted Dove

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Birds of IIT Guwahati:

1. Scaly-breasted Munia 2. Oriental Magpie Robin 3. Purple Sunbird 4. Cinereous Tit 5. Long-tailed Shrike