Ringneck Dove: Longevity, Colors, Vocalization With Male Vs. Female Comparison

Do you enjoy the calm and soft sounds of birds rather than active chirping noises? Then, you should look for Ringneck Doves in your area.

This species can not survive in the wilderness, as they are not well-equipped to inhabit those regions. It is still famous among bird enthusiasts for its gentle and calming nature with soft, soothing calls. As it’s a domesticated species, with proper care, you can get yourself a lasting feathered companion.

Most people find their songs relaxing and pleasant, enhancing the tranquility of their surroundings no matter where they go.

So, in this article, we will introduce you to the calming presence of this species with its dietary preference, extraordinary longevity, and even its male vs. female comparison.

Let’s get you acquainted with the Ringneck Doves to help you create a meaningful companionship and provide you with a rewarding experience in the comfort of your home.

Ringneck Dove: How To Identify?

Source: @buckhambirding

• Scientific Name: Streptopelia risoria
• Size: 25 to 26.5 cm (9.8 to 10.4 in)
• Average Weight: 113.4 to 170.1 g (4.9 to 7.6 oz)
• Wingspan: 45.8  to 55.9 cm (18 to 22 in)
• Overall Shape: Compact and plump

Ringneck Doves are small to medium-sized doves, with adults having a compact and plump body with short legs. They have a relatively small head compared to their body size.

This species has long, pointed wings with squared or slightly notched at the tip. The tail feathers are medium in length.

They have short tarsi (the part of the leg between the foot and the lower part of the leg), which contributes to their overall compact appearance.

Adult Coloration

• Coloration: Muted grayish-brown
• Wings: Gray with some black markings

Ringneck Doves exhibit a subdued grayish-brown plumage on their upperparts and dull, pinkish-gray plumage on their underparts.

One of their most distinctive features is the thin black neck ring or collar that encircles the nape of the neck. They have a small, pale-colored beak. Their wings have a combination of gray and black markings.

The primary wing feathers and wing coverts are typically gray, while the wingtips can be blackish. The tail feathers are typically gray, and the tail shape is squared or slightly notched at the tip.

Ringneck Doves have striking reddish-orange eyes, which provide a beautiful contrast to their muted plumage.

Male Vs. Female Ringneck Dove Comparison

Source: @turtlethedove

Both male and female Ringneck Doves have similar appearances, making it difficult to tell their gender purely by physical attributes.

Usually, their gender is more determined by studying their behavior, particularly during courtship and breeding.

Key Similarities

Males and females are both the same size and color as the adult species. Both genders share the same eye color.

Moreover, both males and females have a consistent bodily form. Both genders have similar-looking wings that allow them to fly gracefully.

Key Differences

In general, the primary distinguishing feature between male and female Ringneck Doves is the presence and intensity of the neck ring.

Male Ringneck Doves typically have a more visible and pronounced black neck ring, while females may have a less visible or nonexistent ring.

Apart from that, during courtship, male doves become more active and exhibit behaviors such as cooing, puffing out their plumage, and bowing to the female. They may also provide nesting materials as part of their courtship rituals.

Females, on the other hand, may accept or reject the advances of the males based on their receptivity.

They are primarily responsible for nest building, with males occasionally assisting. In terms of incubation, females are the ones primarily responsible for sitting on the eggs and keeping them warm.

Male Vs. Female Comparison At A Glance

Here’s a short and easy table for you to quickly understand and compare the traits of a male Ringneck Dove and a female Ringneck Dove.

Range & Habitat

The Ringneck Doves are endemic to North Africa. They are also found in regions of Sudan and Ethiopia, across the Sahara Desert, and into parts of northern and western Africa. Additionally, they have been introduced to many other regions around the world.

Habitat

Ringneck Doves are highly adaptable and can thrive in a range of environments provided there is access to food, water, and suitable perches or roosting sites.

Their ability to adapt to urban and agricultural environments has contributed to their widespread distribution beyond their native range.

• Open Woodlands: They are often found in open woodlands with scattered trees and shrubs, where they choose their perching and nesting sites.
• Agricultural Areas: Ringneck Doves are popular in agricultural areas where they can eat grains, seeds, and a variety of crops. They frequently feed on farmlands and are considered crop pests in some areas.
• Urban and Suburban Areas: These doves rapidly adapt to human-altered settings, making them popular in urban and suburban areas. They can be found in parks, gardens, and residential settings.
• Savannas: In savanna habitats, Ringneck Doves can find both open spaces for foraging and trees for nesting and roosting.
• Cliffs and Canyons: They may nest on cliffs and in canyons in some areas, especially if suitable trees and bushes are few.

Dietary Preferences

Source: @homer_j_cat_and_the_doves

Ringneck Doves have dietary preferences that primarily revolve around seeds, grains, and plant matter. The preferences may vary depending on their environment and food availability. In captivity, it’s essential to provide a balanced diet to ensure their health and well-being.

• Seeds and Grains: Ringneck Doves are granivorous birds, which means they have a strong preference for seeds and grains. They commonly feed on a variety of seeds, including small grains like millet, wheat, barley, and corn.
• Fruits and Berries: While seeds and grains are their main dietary components, Ringneck Doves may also consume fruits and berries when available. They particularly enjoy softer fruits such as berries, cherries, and small pieces of apple.
• Green Vegetation: Ringneck Doves sometimes eat green vegetation, including leaves, shoots, and small plant matter.
• Insects: In the wild, Ringneck Doves may occasionally consume small insects, but this is not a significant part of their diet.
• Water: Like all birds, Ringneck Doves need access to clean water for drinking and bathing. It’s essential to provide fresh water to pet doves.
• Commercial Bird Food: For pet Ringneck Doves, commercial bird seed mixes designed for doves and pigeons are a suitable option. These mixes typically contain a variety of seeds, grains, and other ingredients that meet their nutritional needs.

Vocalization

Their cooing sounds are soft and melodious, making them a favorite among bird enthusiasts and pets. Here are some of the common vocalizations of Ringneck Doves:

The most distinctive and characteristic sound of Ringneck Doves is their cooing. It’s a repetitive, rhythmic, and calming sound that often consists of a series of “coo-coo-coo” or “coo-roo-coo” notes. They may vary the pitch and rhythm of their coos, especially during courtship.

They can also produce a soft purring sound. It’s a subtle, vibrating sound that can be heard when they are relaxed or in a state of well-being.

Their crooning sounds are similar to cooing but may have a slightly deeper quality. These crooning sounds are often made during the nesting and courting period.

When Ringneck Doves sense danger or feel threatened, they may create a sharp, high-pitched “alarm” call to alert others to potential intruders.

Sound

Breeding

Source: @whitewolfcritters

• Breeding Season: All Year Round
• Mating System: Monogamous

Ringneck Doves are monogamous and form pairs during the breeding season. It’s important to ensure that you have a compatible pair, as they may choose their mates if kept with multiple doves.

The male often initiates courtship by cooing and displaying to attract the female’s attention. They may engage in mutual preening and gentle pecking as part of their courtship rituals.

It’s important to be prepared for the responsibilities of breeding Ringneck Doves, including providing proper care for the chicks if you choose to breed them.

Additionally, understanding the specific needs of your doves and consulting with avian experts can contribute to a successful breeding experience.

Nesting

Ringneck Doves may select a nesting site in various locations, both in the wild and in captivity. In the wild, they prefer nesting in trees, shrubs, and even on cliffs.

In captivity, you can provide a nesting box or a sheltered area with nesting materials. Doves build relatively simple nests.

They use twigs, grass, straw, and other available materials to create a cup-shaped nest. The male and female may collaborate in nest building, with the male typically bringing nesting materials to the female.

After the eggs hatch, the parents continue to provide care to the chicks. They feed the chicks with a special secretion known as “dove milk,” which is produced in the crop of the parent birds. The chicks are entirely dependent on their parents for food and warmth.

After the nestling period, the young doves, known as squabs, will fledge from the nest. They may still rely on their parents for a little while as they develop their flying skills and independence.

Here’s a table that will provide you with the idea of their nesting facts all at a glance:

Behavior

In general, the behavioral aspects of the Ringneck Doves are simple and usually peace-loving species. However, they can switch up their attitude if necessary. So, in this segment, we will get to learn the behavioral aspects of this species.

• Territorial Behavior: During the breeding season, paired Ringneck Doves may become territorial and hostile while defending their nesting area from other doves or intruders.
• Non-Aggressive: Ringneck Doves are generally non-aggressive and are less likely to engage in aggressive interactions with other bird species.
• Mixed Aviaries: In mixed aviaries or when kept with other non-aggressive bird species, Ringneck Doves can coexist harmoniously. They are often spotted alongside finches, canaries, and other doves and pigeons.
• Limited Interaction: While they coexist amicably with other species, Ringneck Doves are picky and have little social contact with other bird species. They build deep social relationships with their kind first and foremost.
• Observational Learning: Ringneck Doves are known to engage in observational learning, similar to most other bird species. They may pick up behaviors from other doves and birds in their environment.
• Caution with Predatory Species: It’s essential to be cautious when keeping Ringneck Doves with predatory bird species or animals that may pose a threat to them.

Lifespan In Captivity & Wilderness

• Status: Domesticated
• Maximum Lifespan (In Captivity):  29 years

Ringneck Doves have a shorter life expectancy in their natural wild habitat, with most species lasting for only 2 to 5 years. Predation, sickness, and environmental obstacles can all have an impact on their survival.

Ringneck Doves kept in captivity generally have a longer life span. With proper care and attention, they can live for an extended period. Many pet Ringneck Doves live for 10 to 12 years or even longer. There have been survival cases of this species living up to 20 years.

The population of Ringneck Doves is not considered threatened or endangered. These doves are widely distributed across their native range.

As a result of their introduction and adaptability to various habitats, the population of this species has increased in many regions.

However, the population of introduced or feral Ringneck Doves may not be as well-documented as other bird species, and their impact on local ecosystems and native bird populations can vary depending on the region.

Predators

If the Ringneck Dove is not domesticated, they can face a variation of predators. However, even in captivity, they might face life-threatening situations. Let’s see the species that might cause harm to our gentle-natured feathered buddy!

• Raptors, such as hawks and owls, are potential predators of Ringneck Doves. These birds are skilled hunters and may prey on doves if they are within their hunting range.
• In some regions, snakes may pose a threat to doves. Arboreal snakes, or those that can climb trees, may target doves and their nests.
• In urban and suburban areas, domestic cats are significant predators of doves. They can stalk and capture doves, especially when doves are on the ground or in low vegetation.
• Larger, more aggressive birds, including crows and magpies, may attack doves and their nests to steal eggs or young chicks.
• Raccoons are notorious for their opportunistic behavior, which includes raiding dove nests to consume eggs or chicks.
• Tree squirrels can pose a hazard to doves and their nests in some situations, especially if the doves have chosen a nesting spot in a tree.
• Opossums may also occasionally target nests to feed on eggs or chicks.
• House Mice and rats are known to consume eggs and young birds in nests, including those of Ringneck Doves.
• Ground-dwelling animals such as foxes and weasels can be dangerous to doves and their nestlings if they find them.

Ringneck Dove Similar Species

Learning about birds that look like the Ringneck Dove can be interesting for both bird lovers and those less familiar with them. So, in the next part, we’ll take a closer look at the notable similar species.

Eurasian Collared Dove

• Scientific Name: Streptopelia decaocto

The Ringneck Dove and the Eurasian Collared Dove are both medium-sized doves with a similar basic body shape, with a plump and rounded look and rather short legs.

The plumage of both species is a subdued grayish-brown. Their upperparts are normally grayish, while their underparts are light and pinkish. The plumage can vary slightly depending on age and geographic region.

One of the key similarities and sources of confusion is the presence of a distinctive black collar or crescent-shaped mark on the nape of the neck in both species. Moreover, they have striking red or reddish-orange eyes.

Differences 

The Ringneck Dove gets its name from a thin, black ring or collar on its neck. This ring is often less prominent than the collar of the Eurasian Collared Dove.

The Eurasian Collared Dove has a squared or slightly notched tail, while the Ringneck Dove has a more tapered and pointed tail.

Laughing Dove

• Scientific Name: Spilopelia senegalensis

Both the Ringneck Dove and the Laughing Dove are small to medium-sized doves with a similar general body shape, characterized by a plump and rounded appearance with relatively short legs.

Moreover, both species have a similar coloration, with muted grayish-brown plumage on their upperparts and paler, pinkish-gray plumage on their underparts.

However, the plumage may vary depending on factors such as age and geographic location. Both doves have striking red or reddish-orange eyes.

The Ringneck Dove and the Laughing Dove have a distinctive collar-like marking on the nape of the neck. Their wings are pointed and relatively long.

Differences 

The Ringneck Dove has a thin black ring on its neck, whereas the Laughing Dove has more of a patch or bar-like marking on its neck with a pinkish hue.

The tail shape of the Ringneck Dove is more tapered and pointed, while the Laughing Dove’s tail is more squared and straight across the tip.

Common Ground Dove

• Scientific Name: Columbina passerina

Both the Ringneck Doves and the Common Ground Doves are small petite dove species, with the Common Ground Dove being one of the smallest dove species in North America.

In general, their body shape seems similar and is characterized by a plump and compact build, short legs, and a small head relative to their body size.

Both species have muted grayish-brown plumage. While the exact shades may vary among individuals and regions, they share a general coloration, with a more prominent pinkish hue on the Common Ground Dove’s underparts.

Both doves have striking reddish-orange eyes, which is a common feature in doves. They both display some subtle patterns on their wings.

Differences 

The most significant difference between the Ringneck Dove and the Common Ground Dove is the presence or absence of a neck ring.

The Ringneck Dove, as the name suggests, has a thin black ring around its neck. The Common Ground Dove, on the contrary, lacks such a distinct neck ring.

Ringneck Doves have blackish wingtips and a white edge on the wings. Common Ground Doves have more intricate wing patterns, with rufous or cinnamon-colored edges and delicate black spots.

The tail feathers of the two species differ in form. The tail of the Ringneck Dove is more pointed and tapered, whereas the tail of the Common Ground Dove is squared or slightly notched.

Fun Facts About Ringneck Dove

Ringneck Doves are popular for their variations in names, including Ringed Turtle Dove, Ring-Necked Turtle Dove, or Ring Dove, and their association with peace and love in various cultures. They are considered symbols of tranquility and harmony.

Ringneck Doves are popular pets due to their kind demeanor and low maintenance needs. They are frequently selected as avian companions.

These doves readily adapt to both urban and suburban environments, making them a common sight in parks, gardens, and residential areas. For this reason, they are one of the most widely traded doves globally, as pets and for various purposes.

FAQ

Even after getting acquainted with most of the facts about the Ringneck Dove, you might still have some inquiries.

So, let’s check out some of the answers to the frequently asked questions.

Q: Can Ringneck Doves be trained to do tricks or talk?

Ans: No, they can not talk like some parrot species, but they can be instructed to respond to cues and perform simple tricks. However, they are more famous for their charming cooing sounds.

Q: Can Ringneck Doves fly well?

Ans: Yes, they can. They are agile in flight. However, pet doves are often kept in enclosed spaces. So, they may have limited opportunities for extended flights.

Thoughts

Now that you are more aware of how the Ringneck Doves behave and how chill and friendly they are, you are bound to feel a sense of responsibility toward the conservation of this species.

Moreover, it’s not like they require high maintenance. All you have to do is keep their living space fresh and clean and give them a sufficient amount of food and water.

They can stick around for almost a decade without any need for additional attention.

You can also raise awareness regarding the preservation of their habitats among your friends and family members.

Whether you live in an urban or suburban area, you can set up nest boxes to help bolster their population.

So, if you are leading a busy life and crave some connection with nature with low effort, then you can turn to the Ringneck Doves for company.

Happy birding, everyone!