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Diamond Dove |
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Bird Breeds:
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DESCRIPTION
7'/2 to 8% inches (19 to 22cm). Diamond Dove has Greyish-brown with white
dots on wings, lighter grey on head and underside, pale beak and red eye
ring. Female smaller with browner plumage and more and larger wing spots.
Cock is the one that spreads the long, pointed tail. Immatures achieve
adult colouring at 1 month, fully coloured eye-ring at 2 months.
NATURAL DISTRIBUTION
Diamond Dove is found in Australia, but in east and south only after irregular
coastward movements during dry periods.
HABITAT
Dry woodland and scrub.
DIET
Mix of canary-grass seeds (25 per cent), white millet (25 per cent), red
millet (20 per cent), niger-thistle seed (10 per cent), sesame seed (10
per cent), wheat (5 per cent) and poppy (5 per cent). When young arrive,
also offer universal food, rearing food, small mealworms and ant pupae
(preferably fresh). Feeds on the ground.
SPECIAL NEEDS
Bring indoors during winter, at not less than 48°F (9°C); also
separate cocks and hens to avoid exhaustion from continuous breeding;
limit clutches to 4 or 5 per season.
CAGE LIFE
Lively, yet peaceful and easy to care for. Not aggressive to smaller birds,
can be a nuisance when kept individually so advisable to keep in pair.
Requires sunny cage or aviary to enjoy sunbathing. In aviary, place a
gauze 'nest', filled with twigs and grass. In breeding cage 40 X 32 inches
(102 X 81cm), place box or tray. Male courting display includes bowing
with tail raised and fanned. Lays 2 to 3 white eggs, incubation 13 days
by both male and female, fledging 10 to 14 days. Parents continue feeding
for some time; remove as soon as young eat independently or they may be
attacked and even killed by parents.
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