Turtle Dove
Streptopelia turtur
Length 27cm

An attractive summer migrant, present from May to August. Rather local and now almost confined to C and S England and Wales; absent from Ireland. Has proportions of collared dove but appreciably smaller. Body plumage mostly blue-grey and pinkish with chestnut-brown on mantle; dark feather centres give a scaly appearance to back. Long, mainly black tail appears wedge-shaped in flight due to white corners. At close range, black and white barring on neck can be seen. Presence often indicated by purring song. Favours arable land with hedges.