Diamond Doves
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The Diamond Dove (Geopelia cuneata) is native to Australia. Its preferred habitat being the areas near water but which are lightly arid or semi-arid in nature, specifically Central, West and Northern Australia.
This pigeon, together with the the Peaceful Dove, is Australia's smallest pigeon.
The photos and below information are courtesy of Mandy & Paul - Breeder of Canaries & Other Exotic Birds - Singing Wings Aviary - www.singing-wings-aviary.com (A great source for these beautiful little finches)
Description:
Diamond Doves have a Blue-Gray color on their head extending down the neck to the breast. The back and wings are Brown-Gray in color while the underbelly is white. The wings are spotted with white and it is said mature males have more white spots on the wings than hens. The sexes look similar but in mature birds a difference in eye ring size can be noted, the males eye rings being larger and more prominant. There are many various color mutations with different apperances.
Size:
This particular Dove averages 7-8 inches (18-20cm) including a tail length of aproximatley 4 inches (10cm).
Mutations/Sub-species:
Diamond Doves come in a variety of mutations including: Cinnamon, Peach, White, Silver, Yellow, Rufous, Red, Ocher, Brillant, and Pied. Please refer to the photos to the right.
They also come in a White-Rump and a White-Tail form.
Some of these various colors where produced by combining mutations together.
Diet:
A good diet for Diamond Doves consist of a basic Finch mix, Quail pellets, egg food and occasional green food. Sprouting seed is the simplest way to provide your birds with fresh greens.
General Care:
These Doves are a low maintence and a free breeding species.
Compatibility:
Diamond Doves are well suited for a mixed aviary of seed eaters.
They are peaceful to all other birds except males of thier own species. I have housed many pair of Diamond Doves together in an aviary and the males did bicker but no physical damage resulted aside from a few plucked feathers.
However, best results will be accomplished by separating pairs.
Housing:
While this species can be successfully maintained in bare aviaries or flight cages, we get best breeding results by housing them in an aviary with access to the ground.
These birds like to spend a lot of time on the ground or on other flat surfaces so be sure to provide these. They do perch and must be provided with numerous perches throughout the aviary.
The aviary dose not require a lot of heat in winter but it should not remain damp.
Song:
Both male and hen can "coo" and make other laughing (alarm) sounds but only the male will preform the mating "coo"
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