Spotted Dove, the ‘Indecent’ bird
Bengal Birds (Species-5) (ঘুঘু, ছিটঘুঘু)
A Spotted Dove couple tried to build their nest on the other side of our bedroom’s air vent during the early stage of lockdown. But ultimately chose a different place to stay. I was disappointed initially but was happy since they didn’t leave the area completely. My neighbor’s parapet, which is adjacent to my balcony, has become their new favourite ‘café’ to hang around! Actually not only them, few others too. Their numbers are increasing and it makes me happy, as this is a sign that they are thriving in our locality. I could see them busy in ‘important meetings’ on that parapet throughout the day. But when it comes to courtship they are very ‘respectful’ to seniors like me and prefer privacy and choose someplace further away from my house! Male’s dance, rather approach towards the female with mincing steps, puffed feathers, head bobbing and a distinct cooing is something to watch out! If the reader thinks what a shameless fellow I am, I do sincerely apologize!
Bengali Name
ঘুঘু, ছিটঘুঘু
Male – Female Distinction
Male-female can not be separated, they both look alike.
Residency Status
Resident of West Bengal.
General Behaviors
- Usually they are found in pairs.
- Don’t go far from their preferred area. Throughout the day, I found them in my surrounding trees or in the parapets etc.
- Their ‘crrreww-crrreww’ call can be heard all day long.
- Often choose to make their nest in unused part of a house, such as air-vent etc. and lay 1-2 eggs.
Places where I have found them
They are resident bird of the state and are very commonly found in a locality with lots of trees or in the parks or in any birding hotspot like Rabindra Sarovar etc..
