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Tambourine dove
The tambourine dove is a graceful, soft‑coloured bird found across sub‑Saharan Africa, where it inhabits forest edges, woodlands, moist thickets, and even well‑vegetated gardens. Its plumage is mostly grey‑brown, with a pale face and a distinctive black, scale‑like pattern on the wings that gives the species a subtle but elegant appearance.
Our tambourine doves live in the Wonders of the Wild exhibit.
Class:
Aves
Order:
Columbiformes
Family:
Columbidae
About the tambourine dove
This dove is primarily a granivore and frugivore, feeding on seeds, fallen fruit, and occasionally small invertebrates. It typically forages on the ground or among low vegetation, walking with a gentle, bobbing motion as it searches for food. Its quiet nature and excellent camouflage allow it to blend easily into shaded understory environments.
Tambourine doves are usually seen in pairs or small flocks. Their soft, rhythmic calls are often heard echoing through forested habitats, creating the “drumming” sound that inspired their common name. Nests are simple platforms of twigs placed in shrubs or low trees, and chicks fledge after roughly two weeks.
Conservation
The tambourine dove is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN and remains widespread across sub‑Saharan Africa. However, some local populations are affected by habitat loss, particularly where forests and woodlands are cleared or degraded. General habitat protection and the preservation of wooded areas support the continued stability of this gentle forest species.