Turtle Dove
Scientific Name: Streptopelia turturMaltese Name: Gamiema
Family: Doves (Columbidae)
Occurence: Common migrant
Breeds in Malta: Yes, Very Rare
Overview:
The Turtle Dove is a medium-sized dove. Have orange-brown feathers on wing, pinkish chest, striped patch on neck and grayish head. In flight, is whitish from below with striking tail pattern. In Europe it breeds in open low land, woods and agricultural areas. It nests in trees. It breeds in all of Europe except in the far north. In autumn, migrates to south of the Sahara and return passage in spring. The overall European population has declined in recent decades mainly due to agricultural changes, development and as it is also heavily hunted on passage through the Mediterranean countries. Turtle Dove diet consists of seed, fruit and even small insects.
Status:
The Turtle Dove is a common and regular migrant especially in spring. In autumn appears in smaller numbers. Many migrants arrive at night, while some arrive in the early hours of morning in flocks. It is known that in the past Turtle Doves were seen in larger numbers with flocks even reaching several hundred unlike today. Two Maltese Ornithologists Schembri and Wright both wrote that a few pairs of Turtle Doves use to probably breed in Gozo each year. In 1956 pair bred in Lunzjata Valley, Gozo. They were both killed and chicks stolen. Again in 1963 another pair attempted to breed in the same site. It just managed to build its nest but wasn't even given the chance to lay its eggs as they were also killed. Some pairs try to breed in wooded areas like Buskett, Girgenti, Mizieb, and Wied Lunzjata amongst others but all end up being killed illegally during the summer period. If it wasn't for this, maybe the Turtle Dove could establish itself as a regular breeder if only is given the chance. It is one of the most heavily hunted species shot in large numbers each year. Without doubt this has had a significant impact on a local level. With the ban on Spring hunting, prospective breeding birds are being recorded more but eventually disappear within days of the opening of the Rabbit Hunting Season in June.
When to See:
Spring; appears from late March till beginning of June with peak days in April and beginning of May. In autumn is seen in smaller numbers. Appears from end of August till October with main movement in early September.
Where to See:
Prefers wooded areas like Buskett, Girgenti, Mizieb, Wardija, L-Ahrax, Foresta 2000, valleys with cover and groves. Present daily throughout migratory months but more appear in bad weather. Good numbers come in cloudy days with rain.
Photographs:
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Turtle Dove, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
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| Turtle Dove, Simar Nature Reserve | Turtle Dove, Simar Nature Reserve |
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Turtle Dove, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
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