The Indian Subcontinent provides suitable habitats to various species of birds for residing and nesting. Doves are no exception in this regard. Various types of doves have been recorded in India. These doves are described below.
Laughing Dove
Laughing Dove is a resident breeder in the Indian Subcontinent. This dove has brownish upper parts and pinkish head and underparts. There is a lilac tinge on the head and neck. The color changes to buff on the lower abdomen. There is a bluish-grey band present along the wing of the bird. It is important to note that the back of the bird is uniform and dull brown in the Indian population.
Spotted Dove
Spotted Dove is a common resident breeding bird across its native range in the Indian Subcontinent and other places. This bird has grey color on the head and belly. A half collar is present on the back and sides of the neck made of black feathers that bifurcates and has white spots at the two tips. The bird has grey brown lesser median coverts. It is important to note that the Indian populations have these coverts with rosy spots at the tip divided by a widening dark grey streak along the shaft. The primary coverts are dark brown. The bird has white color present on the centre of the abdomen and vent.
Red Collared Dove
Red Collared Dove is known to be the commonest dove throughout Punjab. It is a summer migrant visiting India, where it is more or less resident. The male dove has a bluish head. Its body is light red-brown in color. There is a black ring round the neck of the bird. The female counterpart is pinkish all over.
Common Emerald Dove
Common Emerald Dove is a widespread resident breeding bird in the tropical and sub-tropical parts of the Indian Subcontinent. This dove has bright red bill and dark brown eyes. It has dark vinous pink head and underparts. The color changes to grayish on the lower belly. The back and wings are bright emerald green. The bird has blackish flight feathers and tail. The male bird has a white patch on the edge of the shoulders and a grey crown. Females have a browner complexion with a grey mark on the shoulder.
Andaman Cuckoo Dove
Andaman Cuckoo Dove is endemic to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is important to note that this bird has been classified as "near threatened" and is moving towards rarity due to habitat loss.
Other Indian Doves
Barred Cuckoo-Dove, Oriental Turtle Dove and Eurasian Collared Dove are some of the other Indian Doves.
