The oriental turtle dove

An oriental turtle dove is seen at the Futian Mangrove Nature Reserve. Isaac Cohen

The oriental turtle dove

The oriental turtle dove (Streptopelia orientalis) possesses a slender body covered in soft, sandy-brown plumage. It wears around its graceful neck a distinctive black patch with a tip of grey on each feather. The wings display a unique pattern of black feathers with orange tips that give them a scaly appearance. The dove’s tail feathers show a unique design, with a dark center and lighter edges, creating a noticeable contrast.

山斑鸠是一种体型纤长的鸠鸽科鸟类，上体覆沙色羽毛，颈基两侧各有一块羽缘为灰白色的黑羽，形成明显的条纹状块斑；翅上覆扇贝状、具金红色边缘的黑色羽毛，远看好似鳞片一般，也被称为金背鸠或麒麟鸠；尾羽黑色，也具浅色边缘，特征明显，容易辨识。

The bird inhabits forests, woodlands, grasslands and agricultural areas. Native to East Asia, they have a vast distribution in countries such as China, Japan and South Korea.

山斑鸠常见于林地、草地及农田生境，模式产地东亚，广泛分布于中国、日本及韩国。

Oriental turtle doves are known for their gentle and calm demeanor. They are primarily ground-dwelling birds but are also adept at flying. These doves often gather in small flocks, especially during migration. They travel long distances to reach their breeding grounds and wintering sites, visiting our city but not in great numbers.

山斑鸠性情温驯，属地栖鸟类，也擅飞行。常集小群活动及迁徙，每年冬季，栖息在北方的种群会南迁越冬，少数个体在深圳可见。

The doves mainly feed on seeds, grains and fruits. They are often seen foraging on the ground, searching for fallen seeds and grains. These doves are also known to visit agricultural fields to feed on crops.

山斑鸠主要以种子、谷物及水果为食，常在栖息地的地面活动，捡食食物，也会在农田里寻找作物。

The birds’ presence in ecosystems helps maintain a balanced population of both predators and prey. Additionally, by consuming seeds and fruits, they contribute to the dispersal of plant seeds, aiding in the reproduction and survival of plant species. As they move from one location to another, they assist in distributing plant genetic material, supporting the overall health and diversity of ecosystems.

山斑鸠既取食大量植物，同时也是主要的被捕食者，有助于维持生态平衡。此外它们还是助力植物播种和繁殖的重要媒介，能够通过迁徙将身上携带的植株遗传物质传播到其他地域，在当地形成新的植物种群，有助于维护生态系统的整体健康并丰富生物多样性。