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Courtship and mating of the Spotted Dove

on 6th May 2010


Mike Tan’s (a.k.a. woof) documentation of the courtship of the Spotted Dove (Streptopelia chinensis) shows the pair indulging in allopreening of the head area (above). Note that the eyes of both are covered with the nictitating membrane, although in another image not shown here, one bird has its eyes open.

The stage of the courtship documented here is apparently advanced, probably missing earlier display of head bowing, etc. This is confirmed as immediately after, the female crouched and the male jumped on her back (left).

With the female standing on firm ground, there is no problem about losing her balance as when on a perch. Even then, her wings are somewhat stretched to provide balance. The male on the other hand has a harder time balancing himself with his wings as his tail maneuvers beneath hers to effect the classic cloacal kiss. Note that his body feathers are all fluffed.

This post is a cooperative effort between NaturePixels.org and BESG to bring the study of bird behaviour through photography to a wider audience.

Images by Mike Tan.

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

Other posts by YC Wee

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