Often taken for granted, the ‘work harder, work harder’ call of the Cape Turtle Dove or Gewone Tortelduif in Afrikaans (Streptopelia capicola) – now called a Ring-necked Dove – takes me back to my years growing up in the Lowveld. This was one of the iconic evocative calls of the veld and hearing their cooing still reminds me especially of our farm in the De Kaap Valley. Among the strident duets of Black-collared Barbets, the admonition ‘better-get-started’ call of Red-eyed Doves and the soft burbling of Laughing Doves, I still thrill to the sound of the Cape Turtle Doves – usually calling from the trees in our back garden.
These pale grey doves have a striking black patch of feathers (collar) at the back of the neck – so it also known as a Half-collared Dove. They are not really pale doves for if you observe them closely, you will note that their feathers are a darker shade on the upper side with a blend of hues of brown, grey, and shades of lavender towards the nape. I think their black eyes have a gentle look about them.
Being mostly sedentary birds, they are commonly found in open habitats where they can feed on seed found on the ground. Our garden was bare when we arrived over thirty years ago and now that the front garden has become something akin to a forest, the Cape Turtle Doves prefer either the back garden or the street where it is more open.
Something Over Tea 
They are beautiful birds. Our wood pigeons are fond of football, crying “Uni ted” when seeking a mate
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That’s interesting 🙂
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I like the descriptions of their different calls 😃
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Thank you very much.
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I didn’t know what turtle doves were, until I saw “Home alone II.” I loved doves, they are cute too watch and very beautiful.
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I am glad you think so too.
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We have a pair of doves that come to our yard every day. They belong together. They eat of the ground and they are quiet, doing there thing but always looking out for the other one. It’s cute to watch.
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A lovely bird. Elegant, even. I enjoyed reading about how their calls brought you back to your childhood.
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It is surprising how sounds can transport us to different times and places – and even remind us of people.
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Isn’t it just fascinating how each of our dove and pigeon species have carved out a special niche for itself which minimizes conflicts with others of the family.
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You are right: this is so clear in the Kgalagadi, where each species of dove comes down to drink from the waterholes at a different time in the mornings.
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This dove looks much like the European Collared Dove that has been introduced to our country. We have some in our city.
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They do look very similar.
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I truly admire, and appreciate, your detailed knowledge of the flora and fauna you present here. They are a delight to behold, and the facts about them are very interesting.
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Thank you very much. I am pleased to know that you find these snippets interesting to read.
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Doves are such gentle looking birds. I love its pink-sand coloring, similar to our Mourning Doves. I even painted our hallway that color I loved it so much. 🙂
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Your hallway must look rather attractive in that colour.
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They are attractive and gentle looking birds.
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Looks can be deceiving, for they often squabble whilst foraging for seed on the ground.
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It’s pretty – perhaps it worries it might be preyed upon since it is a dense area?
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That may well be the reason for them preferring more open spaces.
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Lovely Anne, they are my favorite of the doves too. As I work in my studio I find the call of our Cape turtle dove quite soothing, and quite apt considering that I am working while listening 😂😊
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I find their calls are very evocative. It is good to think of you listening to them whilst you are painting.
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