It has been nearly a year since I started feeding the pair of Spotted Doves (Streptopelia chinensis) in my garden LINK. Now, in addition to the original pair, there are a few other individual doves that come and feed when the pair is not around. There is also about a dozen Eurasian Tree Sparrows (Passer montanus) that feed together with the doves.
On the afternoon of 12th June 2011, I noticed a Spotted Dove moving with its wings somewhat drooping by the sides (above right). Then I spotted its partner in another part of the garden (above left). When both were together, the former suddenly chased its partner who immediately moved off. Both then started feeding on the birdseed that I scattered on the ground (below).
The dove with its wings drooping was obviously a recently fledged bird. It was asking to be fed, but there was no begging call as with newly fledged birds. Images confirm its juvenile status. The spotted collar seen in all adults is just barely seen (above, right bird).
When the accompanying adult flew off, another adult that was lurking around nearby appeared, threatening the juvenile who walked off the patch of birdseed. Subsequently, the juvenile appeared daily by itself looking for food.
YC Wee
Singapore
June 2011