Ringneck Dove

by Alex Waterman
Science Center Volunteer

We have three ringneck doves at the Science Center, named Dovey, Sugar, and Baby. Sugar and Baby share a cage, while Dovey has his own cage.

Scientific name: Streptopelia risoria

Habitat: They are domesticated, however, they hail from Southern & Eastern Africa. These areas consist of low grasslands to open savannahs.

Diet: In the wild ringneck doves forage for food on the ground including seeds and sometimes small insects. They need to have grit or small rocks in the diet to help grind their food.

Life Cycle: 10 – 27 years.

Activity: diurnal (active during the day).
Other interesting facts:
  • The type of ringneck dove we have are white doves, which is a common mutation of the ringneck dove.
  • The domestic kind comes in three colors— brown, beige, and white.
  • They are often used as props for magicians as they are small and very friendly.
  • Because these birds come in pure white, they are often showcased in cages for weddings or major events symbolizing purity, peace, and love.
dove

Sugar (left) and her daughter, Baby.
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