Cuckoo doves are a type of dove found in parts of Africa. They get their name from their distinctive “cuckoo” call that the males make during breeding season. Cuckoo doves are medium-sized doves, similar in size to other common species like the mourning dove. But exactly how big are cuckoo doves compared to other doves and birds?
Cuckoo Dove Size
Cuckoo doves measure 25-30 cm (9.8-11.8 inches) in length from the tip of the beak to the tip of the tail. Their wingspan ranges from 47-55 cm (18.5-21.7 inches). In terms of weight, cuckoo doves typically weigh between 110-170 g (3.9-6 oz).
This makes cuckoo doves very similar in size to related doves like the laughing dove and Namaqua dove. They are moderate-sized doves, smaller than larger species like the rock pigeon but larger than tiny doves like the common ground dove.
Cuckoo Dove Size Comparison
Here is how the cuckoo dove measures up against some other common bird species:
Bird | Length (cm) | Wingspan (cm) | Weight (g) |
---|---|---|---|
Cuckoo dove | 25-30 | 47-55 | 110-170 |
Mourning dove | 23-34 | 37-45 | 86-170 |
Rock pigeon | 28-35 | 62-72 | 200-600 |
Laughing dove | 23-26 | 40-45 | 75-195 |
Common ground dove | 16-18 | 29-31 | 27-58 |
As you can see, the cuckoo dove is very similar in length to the mourning dove. It’s slightly smaller than the larger rock pigeon but considerably bigger than the tiny ground dove. Its wingspan and weight also fit right in the middle of other common doves.
Male vs Female Size
There is little sexual dimorphism (size difference between sexes) seen in cuckoo doves. Males and females are virtually identical in size and appearance.
Both sexes have the characteristic blue-grey plumage, black and white stripes on the neck, and reddish eyes. Males may be slightly larger but there is substantial overlap in the size ranges.
During breeding displays, males will inflate their throat feathers to appear larger. But when not displaying, it is very difficult to distinguish males from females based on size alone.
Juvenile Cuckoo Doves
Juvenile cuckoo doves are slightly smaller than adults when they first hatch. Hatchlings weigh about 10-15g and are helpless with closed eyes and no feathers.
They grow rapidly though, putting on about 1-2g per day. Within 2 weeks they are fully feathered and ready to leave the nest at a weight of around 60-80g.
By 3-4 weeks old they are almost indistinguishable from adults in size. Juveniles may have some remaining downy feathers and a slightly smaller beak and legs, but overall are nearly full grown.
Factors Affecting Size
Several factors can contribute to variation in cuckoo dove size within their typical ranges:
Age
As mentioned above, juvenile cuckoo doves are slightly smaller than adults. Size increases rapidly in the first few weeks of life until full adult size is reached.
Geography
Across their widespread range in Africa, cuckoo doves may show some geographic variations in size. Populations in drier regions may be slightly smaller while those in wetter habitats with more abundant food may grow larger.
Food Availability
Access to plentiful food enables cuckoo doves to achieve larger sizes, especially in terms of mass. Doves in areas with poor food availability may weigh less than well-fed individuals.
Health
Sick or injured cuckoo doves often appear thinner and weaker. Parasites and diseases can impair growth and body condition.
Time of Year
Cuckoo doves weigh the most just before and during breeding season when extra energy is required. They lose some mass during the non-breeding months when food is scarcer.
Uses of Size Knowledge
Knowing the typical size of cuckoo doves is useful for several reasons:
Identification
Size helps distinguish cuckoo doves from smaller or larger dove species that overlap in range. It also aids in separating the sexes and age classes.
Tracking Health
Changes in body size and mass can signify health issues in individual birds. Knowledge of normal ranges makes it easier to monitor populations.
Habitat Suitability
The size of cuckoo doves helps determine what habitat resources they require, like nest sites, perches, and foraging areas.
Conservation
Understanding body size and factors that influence it can support conservation efforts for the species.
Evolution
Size is an important characteristic shaped by evolutionary pressures. Documenting variation aids study of cuckoo dove evolution.
Conclusion
In summary, cuckoo doves are medium-sized doves that measure 25-30 cm long with a 47-55 cm wingspan, and weigh 110-170 g. The sexes are similar in size. Juveniles start small but rapidly gain adult dimensions in their first few weeks of life. Geography, food, health status, and time of year can all impact exact size. Knowledge of cuckoo dove size assists with identification, monitoring health, providing habitat, conservation, and evolutionary research.