Oriental Turtle Dove

Its call sounds like "Dē-dē-po-pō"

Scientific name	Streptopelia orientalis
English name	Oriental Turtle Dove
Japanese name	雉鳩
Class	Aves
Order	Columbiformes
Family	Columbidae
Genus	Streptopelia
Species	orientalis
Full length	Approximately 33cm
Distribution	Eastern Eurasia

Oriental Turtle Dove Characteristics and Morphology

The entire body is a plain gray color. Males and females are the same color.
The head is grayish-brown. The beak is lead-colored. The iris is reddish. The wings have scale-like brownish feathers. The abdomen is brownish. There are also patterns at the base of the neck. The chest bulges out significantly. The edges of the tail feathers are white. The legs are flesh-colored.

Song

The song is a repetition of "Dē-dē po-pō," which everyone has heard. It is quite loud and memorable.

Oriental Turtle Dove Ecology

Habitat

Widely inhabits areas from mountains to plains. It used to live in the mountains, but now it can be seen even in human settlements without fearing humans.

Food

Omnivorous, eating relatively anything, including plant seeds and insects.

Life Cycle

They build nests with twigs not only on trees but also on artificial structures for breeding. Eggs hatch in about 15 days, and the chicks leave the nest in another 15 days.

Oriental Turtle Dove Photos

Oriental Turtle Dove Photos are introduced.
Tap the photo to open the detail page.

The pattern on its wings is magnificent.

It doesn't run away even if you get quite close.

Oriental Turtle Dove Behavior

They often act in pairs and can be seen perched on electric wires together. The distinctive cooing is done by the male.

Oriental Turtle Dove Information

Naming

The scientific name "orientalis" means "eastern," referring to its origin in Asia. The "Turtle" in the English name does not refer to the reptile but comes from its call. In Japanese, it is called 'Kijibato' because the scale-like feathers resemble those of a pheasant (kiji). Another name is Yamabato (mountain dove).

Oriental Turtle Dove Found Locations

Katkurajō跡 Park, Hachiōji

I photographed a Yamabato at Katakurajō跡 Park in Hachiōji.
The Yamabato is quite brave; when it is quietly chasing other wild birds, it does not run away even if you get quite close. It's not that it doesn't notice humans, but it gives the impression that it has decided that you probably won't cause harm and remains still.

When I hear the male's song on a summer morning, it gives me an indescribable feeling that it is summer.