Least Concern Birds

Mourning Collared Dove

Streptopelia decipiens

Mourning Collared Dove, seed and fruit eater in savannas and farmland.

Scientific name	Streptopelia decipiens
Swahili name	Nguu wa maombolezo
Conservation status	Least Concern
Class	Aves
Order	Columbiformes
Family	Columbidae
Size	Male: approximately 170-200 grams; Female: slightly lighter, about 160-190 grams

See this species in the app

How to identify

Medium to large size, body length about 28-30 cm; head and neck gray, with distinct black and white markings on the sides of the neck; back and wings brownish with fine spots; tail has a distinct white edge at the tip; bare red skin around the eyes

Habitat

Sparse savanna, shrublands, near river valleys, and open farmland environments

Diet

Omnivorous, mainly seeds, grains, fruits, and a small amount of insects

When it is active

Diurnal, especially active in early morning and late afternoon

Where it lives

Distributed in sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenya and within the Maasai Mara National Reserve

How to spot it

Observe in the early morning or late afternoon in open sparse savanna and near water sources; pay attention to its distinctive neck markings and white tail edges; use binoculars or telephoto lenses for viewing

Photography tips

Shoot during soft natural light periods (early morning and late afternoon); choose open areas with simple backgrounds; use telephoto lenses to capture detailed features such as neck markings and bare skin around the eyes

Threats

Habitat destruction and loss due to agricultural expansion; hunting pressure in some local areas

Similar species

Similar to the Domestic Pigeon (Streptopelia risoria); the African Mourning Dove is larger with more distinct and clear black and white neck markings; the Domestic Pigeon has a narrower white edge on the tail

📖 how to spot the mourning collared dove on safari