Carnivores Pachydermata Ongulates Reptiles Primates, rodents and others Birds Birds of prey Terrestrial birds Waders and water birds
Dusky Turtle Dove
The Dusky Turtle Dove inhabits Alpine moorland, bush, rocky slopes in upland grassland. Observed at heights over 4000 meters. Very dark dove with a black mark on the neck. When seen well, shows beautiful rufous edges to the wing feathers. Slightly paler gray corners to the tail are evident in flight. Found at middle and high elevations in a wide variety of habitats, including forest edge, woodland, gardens, and cultivation. The call is a quiet series of descending growl notes. Somewhat like Red-eyed Dove, but smaller and much darker overall, without a contrastingly paler head.
The special reproductive physiology, anatomy and behaviour that this species shares with all doves and pigeons is the ability of both parent birds to produce "crop milk". Crop milk is secreted by special cells that line the bird's crop. Despite its evocative name, crop milk does not look at all like mammalian milk. Instead of being a white liquid, it is a soft lumpy substance that resembles pale yellow cottage cheese. It is much higher in protein and fat than either cow or human milk and it gives the naked, blind chicks a fast start in life.
Sources : The Guardian
