Laughing DoveScientific name: Spilopelia senegalensis

Meaning of name: Spilopelia is from the Greek words spilos meaning spot and peleia meaning dove. Senegalensis refers to the locality of the first described specimen.

Distribution: Naturally occurs through Africa through Middle East to India. Introduced to Australia, widespread in the southwest of Western Australia.

Description: Up to 27cm long with a 45cm wingspan.

Notes: The furthest distance recorded by the Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme for this species of bird to travel is 21km. The oldest bird recorded was recovered 7 years 8.5 months after being banded (information as at 15 June 2012).

References: Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Various contributors.

Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/science/abbbs/abbbs-search.html

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Laughing Doves were deliberately introduced into Perth in 1898.

This laughing dove has been caught by an Australian hobby. This photograph was not taken in the reserves of interest to FQPB.