Ringneck Dove

About the species

Streptopelia risoria, commonly known as the Ringneck Dove or Barbary Dove, is a fully domesticated dove. It is one of the oldest and most widely kept aviary birds in the world - so thoroughly and exclusively bred in captivity that no truly wild form of the species exists any more.

Genetic studies confirm it descends from the domestication of the African collared dove (Streptopelia roseogrisea), a wild species native to the Sahel, the northern Horn of Africa and south-western Arabia. Linnaeus formally described it in 1758; some sources suggest it reached Europe, specifically Italy, from North Africa as early as the late 16th century, from where the hobby spread across the continent.

Appearance and colour mutations

An adult bird measures roughly 25-27 cm and weighs between 110 and 170 g, making it noticeably larger and heavier than the already-published Diamond Dove (Geopelia cuneata). The original, "wild-type" plumage is grey-brown to buff, with a thin black band across the back of the neck that gives the bird its name. Over decades of hobby breeding, fanciers have produced a wide range of other colour varieties - including white (familiar from stage-magic performances), brown, pied and peach/apricot - a clear further difference from the Diamond Dove, which is not available in anything like the same range of colours.

Temperament and its "laugh"

The species name risoria means "laughing," referring to the bird's soft, gentle cooing, which sounds a little like quiet laughter. The Ringneck Dove is among the calmest and least confrontational aviary birds - it is rarely aggressive towards other placid species and adapts well to captivity. It is strongly pair-bonded: within a pair it preens its partner, shares incubation duties, and searches for its mate when separated. A dove kept without a companion can become visibly stressed and withdrawn, so keeping at least a pair is recommended.

Space and equipment

Ringneck Doves need considerably more flying space than small finches - breeders recommend an aviary, or at minimum a spacious cage providing at least one cubic metre per pair, though a larger aviary with room for proper flight suits them far better. Furnishings should include sturdy horizontal perches of a suitable diameter, a shallow bathing dish, and constant access to fine grit, which helps the pair digest hard seeds.

Diet

The diet is based on a seed and grain mix - millet, wheat, corn, occasionally safflower or hemp seed - supplemented with fresh vegetables, fruit and constant access to clean water. The pair will also take the occasional small insect, though unlike the waxbill this is not an essential part of their diet.

Breeding

A clutch typically consists of just two white eggs, incubated by both parents for 13 to 14 days; the young then remain in the nest for a further 12 to 14 days before fledging. In captivity, given sufficiently stable conditions, pairs can nest almost year-round, so it is worth limiting the number of clutches by removing the nesting bowl when needed.

Why doves should not be released

White Ringneck/Barbary Doves are a popular choice for symbolic "dove releases" at weddings and other ceremonies, but they are poorly suited to it: as a domesticated species they lack the homing instinct of wild or racing pigeons, and released birds generally cannot find their way back or survive in the wild. Animal-welfare organisations therefore advise against the practice and recommend more animal-friendly alternatives, such as releasing trained homing pigeons that do return home.

Pros & cons