Barbary Dove
DESCRIPTION
9 inches (23cm). Light fawn with pinkish on breast and black ring around back of neck. Eyes yellow, beak orange, legs pink. Males paler than females, but degree is variable. Domesticated form of African collared dove (S. roseogrisa). A white variety is called 'Java dove'; majority of Barbary carry white in genetic makeup, so may produce white offspring. There are also apricot varieties and frilled forms, both recessive.
NATURAL DISTRIBUTION
Domesticated; also a 'wild' colony in Los Angeles, California.
HABITAT
More suitable for aviary than cage.
DIET
Canary and millet seeds and mixtures for domestic pigeon. Basic maintenance diet until breeding period, when protein should be increased. Grit, plus cuttlefish bone, should always be available; may take greenstuff, particularly young leafy plants such as chickweed. When breeding they may prefer to use leafy greens for nesting material. To avoid, cut greenstuff into pieces. Ingest seeds directly; do not dehusk. Drink by active sucking rather than passive swallowing. Prefer to feed off floor.
SPECIAL NEEDS
During winter house indoors at approximately 50°F (10°C).
CAGE LIFE
Often tame enough to perch freely on hand. Friendly, even towards small finches and such, but can be aggressive to males of own species. Extremely free-breeding, may nest on floor in corner of cage. Cage approximately 5 feet (1.5m) long, 23Vz inches (60cm) deep, and 35Vz inches (90cm) high. Allow daily exercise in room. For nesting, supply tray, 8x4 inches (20 X 10cm) and a few inches high, or flat basket, and materials such as twigs and straw. Lays 2 white eggs, anywhere in aviary if no breeding places provided, incubation 14 days.