African mourning dove

Introduction: Flocks of African mourning doves (Streptopelia decipiens) can often be observed congregating around water bodies to drink in the morning and evening in habitats including riverine Acacia woodland, moist lowland savannah and in cultivated areas near to villages and settlements. Groups of up to 25 can be seen moving between roosting, drinking and foraging locations.

Distribution: Northern Namibia; Kunene River Valley, Epupa Falls, Etosha National Park, Caprivi, Chobe River, Chobe National Park and Victoria Falls.

Diet: Seeds of grasses and trees and crops seeds such as sorghum and sunflower.

Description: Decipiens is the Latin word for deceive, which refers to the close resemblance to other southern African collared doves.

Breeding: Nests consist of a platform of twigs where females lay 1 or 2 eggs.

Size: 30cm.

Weight: 160g.