Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur
The turtle dove is a distinctive bird, with orange-brown underparts, black and white barring on the neck, a white-tipped tale and a easily recognizable soft ‘purring’ song. Spot one between April and September before they make the long journey to Africa to escape the winter months.
Conservation status in Norfolk
Declining. Now on the red list of birds of conservation concern. In Britain populations have declined by three-quarters since 1976 with the estimated UK population dropping from 125,000 pairs to around 45,000 pairs
How to help
The reasons for the turtle doves decline are not entirely understood. Supporting campaigns for better protection of this and other species on migration, and protecting habitat at existing breeding sites can only help. Supporting organic farming systems, which don’t use herbicides, may also help as this species depends on weed seeds as a major part of its diet.
Ian Simonds September 2008
Information on the Turtle Dove
How to recognise
Turtle doves are distinctive birds. No other British dove or pigeon has orange-brown upperparts, black and white barring on its neck and a white tipped tail. The only likely confusion would be between the turtle dove and the commoner collared dove which is larger, mainly grey in colour and has a black neck collar. The first indication of a turtle dove is often its unmistakable soft, ‘purring’ song.
Where to see
During the breeding season, April to September, their favorite haunts are woodland edges, open farmland edged by large overgrown hedges and even large, rural gardens. For this bird to breed successfully there must be open, weedy patches of ground where it can forage for seeds. Outside the breeding season, turtle doves may be found near the coast. At this time they can be found nesting in sand dunes, salt marshes or even cliff top fields.
When to see
During late April turtle doves arrive in Norfolk, with the migration continuing into mid-June. Males establish their territories and most eggs are laid in May and June in a flimsy nest of twigs well hidden in scrub or thorny hedgerows. Nesting attempts continue into early August but these clutches are often deserted. Migration to Africa begins during late August and peaks during September. Small parties of birds can sometimes be seen flying south along the Norfolk coast at this time.
Did you know?
Whilst turtle doves are protected in Britain, they are shot in huge numbers during migration, It is estimated that as many as 2 – 4 million turtle doves are shot and trapped as they pass through Europe.
Related questions
Surveying hedgerows – How do I find out what wildlife is found in our hedgerow?
It should not be underestimated how important hedgerows are for many different species of wildlife. Wildlife that once lived in the woodland that covered much of Britain has now been pushed into these far more linear habitats.
In the UK over 1,500 species of insect, 65 species of bird and 20 species of mammal have been recorded living in hedgerows. Several declining bird species, including yellowhammer, corn bunting, tree sparrow and turtle dove, nest in or close to Norfolk's hedges.
These linear habitats are a valuable source of food for many animals and act as wildlife 'corridors', allowing animals to travel from one habitat to another. Once you have begun surveying hedgerows in general (survey form q) you may like to have a go at surveying butterflies, mammals or birds found along your hedgerow.