The Turtle Dove

Guest blog by Shivani Thevar 

Turtle Dove Conservation Advisor for Sussex, Hampshire and West Kent from RSPB

The Turtle Dove is a charismatic migratory bird found in south-east and eastern England. It spends its winter in sub-Saharan Africa and migrates through Western Europe to breed in the UK in the summer. They generally arrive in the last week of April and leave in late August. 

The distinctive purring song is given by males from high exposed perches and is a nostalgic sound of summers past. Turtle Doves are smaller than other UK pigeons. Its closest relative, the common Collared Dove, has a grey wing pattern and single black stripe on the neck. Turtle Doves have a striking tortoiseshell pattern on their back and wings, with a black-and-white striped neck patch. 

Turtle Doves are often portrayed in literature as a symbol of love, kindness and fidelity due to the belief that they partner for life. Shakespeare wrote about them to depict devotion and of course, we can’t forget the popular mention in the Twelve Days of Christmas. 

Turtle Doves require three main elements in the UK: suitable nesting sites, good food availability and accessible water – all close together. Thick scrub and hedgerows provide safe nesting sites, and the small seeds of arable plants provide the food. A good supply of water is vital so that the adults can produce a secretion called crop milk, which is high in protein and fat and regurgitated to the chicks. 

Turtle Doves remain an uncommon bird and can be difficult to find. However, they are seen most years at Woods Mill and Ebernoe Common nature reserves, and can be found on any areas of farmed land with the three habitat requirements. If you are lucky enough to find a Turtle Dove, well done! Make sure that you don’t disturb it and make sure you record it on the BirdTrack app.

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Find out more at operationturtledove.org