Editorial photo #9823390 Human Interest

Spilopelia Chinensis In India

The spotted dove (Spilopelia chinensis) is a small and somewhat long-tailed pigeon that is a common resident breeding bird across its native range on the Indian subcontinent and in Southeast Asia, and is found in woodland, scrub, farmland, and habitation. In India, it tends to be found in the moister regions, with the laughing dove (S. senegalensis) appearing more frequently in drier areas. Spotted doves are moving around in pairs or small groups as they forage on the ground for grass seeds, grains, fallen fruits, and seeds of other plants. The breeding season is spread out in warm regions but tends to be in summer in the temperate ranges. Here, spotted doves are performing mating dances, bowing, and making aerial displays in courtship in Tehatta, West Bengal, India on March 28th, 2023. (Photo by Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto)