Diamond Dove
Scientific Name: Geospatial Cantata Mangy
The Diamond Dove, scientifically known as Geopelia cuneata, is a small, ground-dwelling bird that is native to Australia. It is a member of the dove family, Columbidae, and is also known as the Little Diamond Dove.
Diamond Doves are approximately 19-21 centimeters long and have a wingspan of around 27-32 centimeters. They have a distinctive, plump bodies with a small heads, and their wings are marked with a distinctive diamond-shaped patch. The plumage of Diamond Doves is generally grayish-brown, with white spots on their wings and black edges on their feathers.
In the wild, Diamond Doves are found in arid and semi-arid regions of Australia, where they feed primarily on grass seeds and small insects. They are typically found in open habitats, such as savannas, scrublands, and grasslands.
Diamond Doves are popular as pets and are often kept in aviaries or as caged birds. They are known for their gentle temperament and melodious cooing, and they can make excellent pets for those who are willing to provide them with the proper care and attention. Diamond Doves are relatively easy to care for, and they can be fed a diet of seed mixes, fresh fruits and vegetables, and occasional live insects.
Description:
Size: 18 cm (71/2 in)
COCK:
Head, neck, and breast: pale silver-grey. Nape and back: pale brown. Wing covers: dark grey with a round white spot near each feather tip. Tail: central feathers dark grey with black towards the tips. Eyes: orange-yellow or red. Eye: bright coral red. Beak: olive-brown. Legs and feet: red.
HEN:
The hen looks almost similar to the cock, but slightly smaller with a thin-nerd head. During the breeding season, the hen’s eye ring is a paler red. At other times, the clearest indication of sex is the cock’s fascinating display with a spread tail.
Diet: (Seedeater)
Mixed millets, plain canary seeds, and maw seeds in small quantities form the basic diet. It also enjoys inspective mixture, an occasional mealworm, ants’ eggs, and green food, particularly chopped young cabbage leaves. Grit must always be available.
The Diamond Dove can be housed outside all year round but needs a dry place to roost. As this species may take fright after dark and injure itself or others, it needs an enclosed shelter for safety.
Diamond Dove Breeding
The Diamond Dove prefers nest pans or shallow boxes for nesting. ‘These are filled with twigs, coarse grass, and moss. Hancock displays eagerly to the hen by dancing around her, while fanning out his tail and beating his wings on the ground. Two eggs are the normal clutch and from these, a cock and hen emerge. Both parents take turns sitting on the eggs for the 13-day incubation period. Rear-in food should consist of sprouted seeds and soaked bread. Once the chicks are independent they should be removed from their parents otherwise they are chased away when a new round of eggs is mislaid.
Brothers and sisters may be paired together when adults. This does no harm but they should not be paired often or inbreeding may result, in impairing the quality of the young. The main strains of pigeons can be kept in captivity. Along with the peaceful breed of a dove, the diamond dove is noted as one of the smallest dove species. The following information may help you to keep diamond doves as your pet.
Diamond Dove Information
- The bird spends a considerable amount of time walking on the ground. So, you must keep the dove in a cage that provides ample space for the bird to walk. The cage should be wire fenced and the floor should also be kept clean for free walking. There must be space in between the perches to allow the bird to fly without being unhurt.
- The bird has the habit of swallowing seeds in whole. So include a grin in your pet’s diet for easy digestion.
- The birds should be kept in pairs or flocks as it is always in need of companionship.
The diamond dove can also develop bondage with their owners if they are bought young.
See more: Diamond Sparrow