 | Quick Facts |  |
|  | Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Columbiformes
Family: Columbidae
Genus: Streptopelia
Species: senegalensis
Length: 11 - 12 inches
Weight: 0.25 - 0.3 lbs
Wing span: 16 - 18 inches
Incubation: 14 days
Offspring: 2
Life Span: 6 years
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Laughing DoveStreptopelia senegalensis Also Called: Senegal Dove or Palm Dove |  |
The Laughing dove earned its name because of the distinctive coo that sounds just like a human laughing. It is reddish-brown with blue and copper on its wings and white on its tail. Its bill is black and its legs are a purple color.
The diet of the Laughing dove consists mostly of seeds, but they also eat wheat and small insects.
Laughing doves are found throughout Africa, the Middle East, some parts of Asia, and Australia. They prefer arid scrub or thorny bush country near water. Laughing doves have adapted well in developed areas, nesting on top of buildings, on window sills, and any other place they can build a stable nest.
Laughing doves are monogamous and pair for life. This stable relationship forms their major social structure.
A female Laughing dove lays 2 eggs and incubates then for about 14 days. she handles most of the incubation, but the father relieves her when necessary.
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