The single Peaceful Dove (Geopelia striata) that appeared one day in June 2010 did not appear subsequently. Then in September, a pair was seen foraging in the garden. These smaller doves would walk around looking for grass seeds and possibly ants. And on 4th October the pair was seen feeding on the birdseeds meant for the Spotted Doves (Streptopelia chinensis) (above left).
Suddenly a Spotted Dove flew down from its perch in a tree above and walked slowly towards the two Peaceful Doves. Being much bigger in size, the latter obviously was intimidating to the former. The Peaceful Doves simply walked slowly away.
It noted that the Spotted Dove will not tolerate another Spotted Dove. Now we see that it will also not tolerate the smaller Peaceful Dove. However, it will feed peacefully with the much smaller Eurasian Tree Sparrows (Passer montanus) (above right). The sparrows may be small but by virtue of the number, there are up to nine individuals now, they obviously pose a more serious competitor for the available feed.
YC Wee
Singapore
November 2010
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