The ringneck dove (Streptopelia risoria) is a small pigeon that is a popular pet bird and one of the most common dove species. The male and female ringneck doves look quite similar, but there are some subtle differences in their appearance.
In this article, we will describe the key physical features of the male ringneck dove, including its size, coloration, markings, beak, eyes, and feet. We will also discuss how to distinguish the male from the female ringneck dove. Understanding the appearance of the male helps bird owners and birders identify and care for this gentle backyard visitor.
Size of the Male Ringneck Dove
The ringneck dove is a relatively small dove species, though larger than a diamond dove.
Length
The male ringneck dove ranges from 8.7-11.4 inches (22-29 cm) long from the tip of its beak to the end of its tail. Its wingspan ranges from 13.4-15.7 inches (34-40 cm).
Weight
The male ringneck dove weighs between 3.4-5.3 oz (96-150 g).
So in summary, the male is generally less than 12 inches long and weighs less than 6 oz. This makes them a petite dove species.
Coloration of the Male Ringneck Dove
The main body of the male ringneck dove is a soft gray-blue color. The head, neck, breast, wings, tail, and back all share this grayish-blue hue.
Eyes
The eyes are black and surrounded by a small red ring of bare skin.
Beak
The beak is black.
Feet
The feet are a deep red or pinkish color.
Neck Ring
The most distinctive marking of the male ringneck dove is the black ring or collar around the back of its neck. This ring is interrupted in the front by white semi-circular markings on each side of the neck. When the wings are folded, the black neck ring stands out starkly against its pale gray body.
Distinguishing Males from Females
So how can you tell a male ringneck dove apart from a female? Here are the key differences:
Size
The male is usually slightly larger than the female.
Color
The male tends to have more vivid and brighter plumage than the female. Its soft gray-blue hue tends to be richer, and the neck ring markings are darker black.
Behavior
Male ringneck doves are often more aggressive and vocal, especially when establishing territory or attracting a mate. You may see males chasing each other or bowing and calling more persistently.
Feature | Male | Female |
---|---|---|
Size | Larger | Smaller |
Color | Brighter gray-blue, darker neck ring | Duller gray-blue, lighter neck ring |
Behavior | More vocal, dominant, territorial when breeding | Shyer, less vocal |
So in summary, the male is the larger, brighter, and feistier of the two sexes. If you observe doves closely you can learn to differentiate males from females based on these subtle cues.
Beak, Eyes, and Feet
While the coloration is the most striking feature, here are some more details on the physical features of the male ringneck dove:
Beak
The beak of the male ringneck is small, slender, and black. The black beak contrasts against its light gray head.
The beak length averages around 0.7 inches (1.8 cm). It has a sharp tip suited for cracking open seeds and grains.
Eyes
The eyes are surrounded by a narrow ring of bare red skin. The eyes themselves are black. They have a dark, oval shape.
The ringneck dove has excellent eyesight and can detect even small movements from far away. This helps them spot potential threats when feeding on the ground.
Feet
The feet are a distinctive deep pinkish-red color. The legs are short and slender, averaging around 0.8 inches (2 cm) long.
There are four toes on each foot – three facing forward and one going backward. This arrangement helps the dove grasp branches and walk on uneven terrain.
The red feet provide a dash of color against the dove’s otherwise subdued gray-blue plumage. The vibrant hue may help the doves find each other when walking along the ground.
Neck Ring Markings
The most distinctive feature of the male ringneck dove is the black neck ring for which they are named. Let’s take a closer look at this marking:
Color
The neck ring is a semi-circular band of black feathers that wraps around the back of the neck. This collar-like marking stands out vividly against the pale gray feathers.
Interruption
The neck ring does not fully encircle the neck. It is interrupted at the front by white semi-circular markings on each side of the neck.
Changes Over Time
The neck ring is not present on very young doves. It starts to fill in after 4-6 weeks as the dove matures. The ring may appear thin or patchy at first. By 3-4 months the ring will be fully filled in with dense black feathers.
Seasonal Changes
The neck ring fades slightly during the mating season. The black color loses some of its intensity. After breeding season ends, the ring returns to its full saturated black hue.
Purpose
The neck ring helps the doves recognize and choose mates. The bolder the ring appears, the more attractive a mate appears. The ring signals health, maturity, and good genes.
So in summary, the striking black neck ring is an essential part of the male ringneck dove’s appearance and breeding biology.
Variations
While most male ringneck doves conform to the classic appearance described above, there are some color variations:
White
Albino ringneck doves have an entirely white body with a pink beak, feet, and eyes. However, the neck ring remains black.
Cream
Cream-colored variants have a pale tan or off-white body color instead of gray-blue. The neck ring remains black.
Silver
Silver ringnecks have more white mixed in with the typical gray-blue hue. Their body may appear light silvery-gray.
Patterned
Rarely, you may see some mottled pattern on the wings and back, almost like a light scalloping or striping effect.
So while the classic male has a uniform gray-blue body, genetics can produce some interesting color variants. But the black beak, red feet, and dark neck ring persist across color morphs.
Behavior and Vocalizations
In addition to physical features, the behavior and vocalizations of ringneck doves provide clues to identify males:
Territorial Displays
Males are territorial and will chase, peck, or threaten other males that encroach on their area, especially in the breeding season. You may see males bobbing their heads or charging with wings spread.
Courtship Displays
To attract females, the male performs a bowing display while emitting a *oo-OO-oo* call. He puffs up his neck feathers and struts in front of the female.
Nest Building
The male assists the female in gathering twigs and sticks to build a nest. However, the female takes the lead in nest construction while the male guards.
Cooing
The melodic cooing of ringneck doves is made primarily by males. It is a soothing *coo-OO-coo-coo* sound, with the second note louder. Males coo to define territory and attract mates.
So if you hear emphatic cooing and see ritualized displays, it’s likely coming from a male ringneck dove.
Conclusion
In summary, the male ringneck dove has a petite gray-blue body, wine red eyes and feet, and a distinctive black neck ring. The male is slightly larger and brighter than the female. He can be differentiated by his territorial cooing, elaborate courtship displays, and aggressive behavior with other males. The melodic cooing and graceful appearance of the male ringneck dove make this backyard bird a joy to observe.