What to Know About the Red-eyed Dove in Uganda?

The Red-Eyed Dove in Uganda is one of the African Uganda bird species seen during African birding tours in Uganda.

This pigeon is a widespread resident breeder throughout the country, especially common in Murchison Falls National Park. It thrives in a variety of habitats, except deserts, making it one of the most frequently encountered birds.

Birdwatchers on Uganda birdwatching safaris/birding safaris in Uganda often enjoy observing its soft cooing and calm behavior, making birding in Africa and birdwatching tours in Uganda especially fulfilling.

How Does the Red-eyed Dove in Uganda Look Like?

Red-eyed dove is a largish, stocky pigeon, typically 30 cm in length. Its back, wings and tail are pale brown.

When flying, it shows blackish flight feathers. The head and underparts are dark vinous-pink, shading to pale grey on the face.

There is a black hind neck patch edged with white. The legs and a patch of bare skin around the eye are red.

Distinctive light & dark pattern on tail “without any white areas”. Easily confused with Mourning Collared Dove.

Sexes are similar, but juveniles are duller than adults, and have scalloping on the body feathers.

How Does the Red-eyed Dove in Uganda Sing and Make Calls?

The advertising coo is loud – 6 to 8 coos – usually repeated several times. This same coo is used when nest calling, but uttered more times upwards of 40 times.

The display coo is a faster, muffled version of the advertising call. This species also has the high-pitched excitement scream; often heard when handled & trying to escape; also given when frightened or after mating.

This species builds a stick nest in a tree made of twigs, grass and sticks.

How Does the Red-eyed Dove in Uganda Feed?

Red-eyed doves eat grass seeds, grains and other vegetation. They often forage on the ground.

Like several other species in this genus, they are not particularly gregarious and often feed alone or in pairs. They can be found in forests near rivers.

How Does the Red-eyed Dove in Uganda Breed?

The bowing display, compared to the common Ring neck dove (Streptopelia risoria) is quicker and lower; at the end of the display the head is held at a different angle so that the pale forehead area presented and is seen by the female.

How Does the Red-eyed Dove in Uganda Reproduce?

Females lay two white eggs at a time, incubation by both parents 14-17 days. Squabs fledge within two weeks, young are independent within another three weeks. Males can become aggressive during breeding periods.