Feral Animals of the Northern Territory

Barbary Dove

Family: Columbidae

Scientific names: Streptopelia risoria

Other common names: Ring-necked dove, Collared dove, Feral dove

Background

The barbary dove is believed to be a domesticated form of the African collared-dove (Streptopelia rosogrisea). In the Northern Territory, the barbary dove occurs in Alice Springs and Darwin. These populations are believed to have originated from escaped aviary birds.

Feeding

The barbary dove feeds on a variety of seeds.

Breeding

Each brood contains only two eggs, which both parents incubate until the young are ready to leave the nest. The young reach sexual maturity at five months of age. Feral barbary doves will breed readily with other species.

Impacts

There are concerns about the impacts of barbary doves on native doves, as this species will breed readily with other species, leading to decreased genetic diversity.

Barbary doves are also often considered to be a nuisance to householders because of their nesting behaviour and droppings.

What You Can Do

If you have a problem with barbary doves around your house, you might consider the following options:

• Avoid feeding your pets outside, as this attracts doves into your yard, where they are provided with a free meal.
• Always cover chicken pens to prevent access to doves. This discourages them from coming into your yard.

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