Least Concern Birds

Ring-necked Dove

Streptopelia capicola

Ring-necked Dove is a seed-eating bird of African savannas, farms, and suburbs.

Scientific name	Streptopelia capicola
Conservation status	Least Concern
Class	Aves
Order	Columbiformes
Family	Columbidae
Size	Male: approximately 140-170 grams; Female: approximately 130-160 grams

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How to identify

Medium-sized, body length about 25-30 centimeters; distinct black and white spotted ring on the side of the neck; plumage mainly gray-brown with fine spots on the wings; long tail with white tip; red eyes with bare eye ring

Habitat

Open sparse woodland savannas, shrubs, edges of farmland, and suburban areas

Diet

Primarily seeds, also consumes small insects and fruits; omnivorous

When it is active

Diurnal, mainly active in early morning and late afternoon

Where it lives

Mainly distributed in southern Africa including South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe; also found in parts of Kenya

How to spot it

Observe in open areas or near water sources at dawn or dusk; pay attention to neck markings for identification

Photography tips

Use a telephoto lens to capture details of the neck markings; choose times with soft natural light and a simple background to highlight the bird’s colors

Threats

Habitat loss and fragmentation; hunting impact is minor in some areas

Similar species

Laughing Dove (Streptopelia senegalensis) differs by a narrower neck ring without distinct black and white spots; African Collared Dove (Streptopelia decipiens) is larger with more vivid plumage

📖 how to spot the ring necked dove on safari