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How to Identify a Turtle-Dove

The Turtle Dove lives in European countries during summer months. It is a quiet bird with distinct markings. It gets its name from the distinctive song she shrills. Identify the Turtle Dove by viewing its markings and listening to its song.

Instructions

- 1
  Get out the binoculars to find the Turtle Dove. It is a large, black and white bird. The bird has checked upper parts and dark under the wings.
- 2
  Observe a Turtle Dove with a white border around its checked tail. The dove also has black and white patches that resemble gills on its neck.
- 3
  Make your viewing area near woods and hedges. The Turtle-Dove enjoys its days in smaller wooded areas, groves or hedges.
- 4
  Listen for a soft sound of purring. The Turtle Dove has a distinctive song of purring, unlike other doves. The Turtle Dove gets its name from the "turr, turr" sound it makes.
- 5
  Find the Turtle Dove in European countries. It is a smaller dove than others found around the world.
- 6
  Go south for the winter. The Turtle-Dove does. Many cross the Mediterranean Sea to migrate south of the Sahara Desert.
- 7
  Stay low to the ground when looking for the Turtle-Dove. The bird builds its nest low to the ground on a tree limb or even hedge. They build flimsy nests of weeds and twigs.

Birding