Oena capensis
The small (40g) Namaqua Dove with its characteristically long tail feathers (total length including the tail is around 22cm) inhabits dry savannas, grasslands and scrub, where it forages on the open ground almost exclusively for the tiny seeds of a wide variety of grasses and other plants. Unlike many other species of pigeon and dove, the Namaqua Dove does not have a close relationship with human habitation. They are highly nomadic, moving after the flush of seeds that follow periods of good rainfall in different areas.
Normally seen alone, in pairs or small flocks (rarely larger aggregations of several hundred form at waterholes), Namaqua Doves form monogamous pairs. They breed throughout the year, constructing flimsy platforms of twigs and roots low in a tree or shrub. Pairs share the responsibility of incubating the clutch of 1or 2 eggs for a period of about two weeks. The chicks leave the nest when they’re about 2 weeks old.
The Namaqua Dove is widely distributed over continental Africa, Madagascar and the Arabian Peninsula. The IUCN considers it to be of least concern, adding that it seems to be growing its population and expanding its range. In South Africa they’ve been recorded from almost every corner of the country, though their nomadic habits means that they are not necessarily always resident in any particular area.
DeWetsWild 
As close as Hluhluwe? Maybe they’ll wander down our way yet. I don’t believe I have ever seen one.
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In my recollection Natal is now much drier in climate than it was two or three decades ago, and perhaps that’s why they are able to expand their range into your part of the world?
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Fascinating facial plumage.
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Only one of our doves and pigeons that has a “mask”.
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I have recently seen Namaqua Doves in the Free State – lovely birds!
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With their long tails and rapid flight they can easily be mistaken for something other than a dove at first glance!
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Interesting that they are expanding their range. I have never seen any in the KZN Midlands. They seem to be common in the more arid regions? Another gorgeous bird!
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I think the name creates the impression that they’re restricted to arid areas, which explains our surprise at having seen them in such (relatively) lush environments as Ithala and Hluhluwe!
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Oh yes. Now I remember that we have seen one or two at Ithala and also in Zululand, but they are far more numerous in the Kalahari region, for example. Always lovely to see them.
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It was a beautiful little pigeon. It does not resemble a typical pigeon.
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And because they’re so nomadic you never know where you might see them!
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Very attractive!
janet
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Undoubtedly, thanks Janet!
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The chicks leave the nest when they’re about 2 weeks old—they are independent at such a young age?
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Isn’t it amazing just how quickly most birds grow!?
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It really is!
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