Senegal Dove

Streptopelia senegalensis

The Senegal Dove, which is also commonly called the Laughing Dove or the Senegal Palm Turtle Dove, is one of the most popular of foreign doves to raise in captivity due to its beautiful coloration, its readiness to breed and the ease with which it can be obtained throughout the country.  It weighs about 3 1/8 to 4 ¼ ounces and is about 4 2/3 inches in length.  The Senegal hen is attractive though not as colorful as the male and young birds are dull brown in color where adults are reddish-brown.

The birds are native to northern Africa, Arabia, India, Afghanistan and Turkey.  They are found naturally in arid scrub or thorny bush country near a source of water and have adapted well in areas inhabited by man, hence they are found living in cultivated oases, gardens, villages and towns.

They are ground feeders and much of their natural food consists of seeds and grains such as millet, wheat, and dari.  In captivity, their diet consists of wild bird seed high in millet, canary seed or budgerigar mix, but can also be fed some leafy green vegetables, small amounts of mealworms and dog food.

Senegal doves are known for their desire to nest and, in the wild, their nests are usually found in trees, bushes, at the base of palm fonds, or on sheltered ledges and nooks of buildings.  The hen lays 2 white eggs which take 12-14 days to hatch with both the male and female taking turns to incubate the eggs.  Approximately 12 days after hatching, the young become independent.  Senegal doves have been known to raise 6-8 broods a year.