Least Concern Birds

Red-eyed Dove

Streptopelia semitorquata

Red-eyed Dove has red eyes; inhabits open woodlands and savannas in Africa.

Scientific name	Streptopelia semitorquata
Swahili name	Njiwa ya macho mekundu
Conservation status	Least Concern
Class	Aves
Order	Columbiformes
Family	Columbidae
Size	Male: approximately 210-250 grams; Female: approximately 200-240 grams

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How to identify

Distinct bright red eye-ring around the eyes; black semicircular patch on the neck; plumage mainly gray-brown; central tail feathers darker; medium to large body size

Habitat

Open woodlands, sparse tree savannas, shrublands, and areas near farmland

Diet

Omnivorous, primarily feeding on seeds, grains, and small plant fruits, occasionally insects

When it is active

Diurnal, mainly active during the day

Where it lives

Primarily distributed in eastern Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, and adjacent areas; commonly seen in Maasai Mara National Reserve

How to spot it

Look for them at dawn or dusk in open woodlands or at shrub edges, noting their distinctive red eye-ring and neck markings

Photography tips

Use a telephoto lens to capture eye details, photograph during times of good natural light, and choose simple backgrounds to highlight the red eye-ring