Laughing Dove

Subject: Environment & Ecology | Biodiversity

UPSC Notes

The Laughing Dove is a small species of dove commonly found in India and other parts of South Asia.

Scientific name: Spilopelia senegalensis.

It is named after its characteristic laughing or chuckling call.

Physical characteristics

  • Small-sized dove.

  • Pinkish-brown body.

  • Distinctive black-and-white spotted patch on the sides of the neck.

  • Long tail.

  • Characteristic repetitive laughing call.

Habitat

  • Open woodland.

  • Dry scrubland.

  • Grasslands.

  • Agricultural landscapes.

  • Gardens and urban settlements.

Geographical distribution

  • Africa.

  • Middle East.

  • South Asia.

  • Parts of western Australia, where it has been introduced.

Diet

  • Primarily seeds and grains.

  • Occasionally feeds on small plant materials and other food items.

Conservation status

  • IUCN Red List: Least Concern (LC).

  • Population trend in the cited assessment: Stable.

Ecological importance

  • Helps disperse seeds.

  • Forms part of terrestrial food webs.

  • Contributes to biodiversity in agricultural and urban ecosystems.

Key Pointers

  • Common name: Laughing Dove.

  • Scientific name: Spilopelia senegalensis.

  • Family: Columbidae.

  • IUCN status: Least Concern.

  • Habitat: Dry scrub, grasslands and human settlements.

  • Food: Mainly seeds and grains.

  • Distinctive feature: Spotted neck patch.

  • Nature: Resident bird in India.