Namaqua dove

Introduction: Namaqua doves (Oena capensis) can be found in almost every habitat including dry woodlands, arid and semi-arid shrublands, riverine woodlands in desert regions, farmyards and gardens. They are usually alone or in pairs, congregating at water holes to drink either side of mid-day.

Distribution: Common throughout Namibia less for most of the southern Namib Desert.

Diet: Eats only tiny seeds of grasses, sedges and weeds. Pecks food from open ground, along gravel roads or on the edge of tarred roads.

Description: A small dove with a long, graduated, pointed tail. Oena is the Greek word for 'a wild pigeon'.

Breeding: Females lay 1 or 2 eggs in a saucer shaped nest made from twigs and rootlets.

Size: 25cm.

Weight: 40g.