A pair of adult Zebra Dove (Geopelia striata) allopreening. Image shows a male preening a female. The preening was reciprocated. Sexing done using Gibbs, D., Barnes, E. and Cox, J. (2001). Pigeons and doves: a guide to the pigeons and doves of the world. Pica Press, Robertsbridge. Gibbs, Barnes and Cox (2001) suggest that in females the barring in the breast is more extensive (extends further onto the breast) and the pinkish centre to breast more restricted in extent.
After preening, classical calls were made by the female. The bird then proceeded to check out extensively a thicket of Scurrula ferruginea (Rusty-leaf Mistletoe), presumably as a potential nesting site.
Amar-Singh HSS (Dato’ Dr)
Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Location: Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Habitat: Fruit farming and secondary growth at city fringe
Date: 24th December 2020
Equipment: Nikon D500 SLR with Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR, handheld with Rode VideoMic Pro Plus Shotgun Microphone
