Little Dove
Namaqua dove
Oena capensis
Masked doves (also known as little doves) are among the smallest species of doves. Their long, tapered tail is a striking feature. The two sexes can be easily distinguished by their faces: while the male has a black facial mask that extends down to his chest, the female lacks this feature.
| Order | Pigeons |
| Family | Pigeons |
| Distribution | Sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar, the southwestern part of the Arabian Peninsula |
| Habitat |   |
| Food |  |
| Activity |  |
| Weight | up to 40 grams |
| Size | up to 25 cm |
| Service life | up to 10 years |
| Reproduction | In their reproductive behavior, the monogamous Cape Tits are not bound to a fixed breeding season. As soon as there is an abundant supply of ripening seeds, the breeding instinct is triggered. Their nest is usually very simply constructed, and the clutch of two eggs is incubated by both parents for 14 days. After another two weeks, the young birds leave the nest and are fully fledged at 16 days. As is common with all pigeon species, the young birds are fed what is known as crop milk. |
| Risk |  |
| Enemies | Birds of Prey |
Herberstein Wildlife Park
Steirischer Landestiergarten GmbH
A 8223 Stubenberg am See
Buchberg 50
Phone: +43 3176 80777
Fax: +43 3176 80777 20
Email: info (at) tierwelt-herberstein. at
