Rufous Turtle Dove

Rufous Turtle Dove
Rufous Turtle Dove
Rufous Turtle Dove
Recordings 
Scientific Name 
Streptopelia orientalis meena
Arabic Name 
القمري الشرقي
Kuwaiti name 
حمام بر
Family 
Pigeons - Doves
Width 
60.0 cm
Length 
35.0 cm
Least Concern
Similar species 
European Turtle Dove

In Kuwait

Migrant
Vagrant
Non-breeder

Information

Vagrant, usually recorded on passage in autumn but sometimes also in spring. A species from East Asia, very similar looking to the European Turtle dove from which it is difficult to distinguish in the field. Observed near cultivations, sometimes even in wetlands.
Where in Kuwait 
Only 11 records for Kuwait with the last seen in November 2011 at Jahra Farms. Generally it has only been recorded in singles and is normally quite secretive and in areas with mature habitat and trees
In the world 
It has an extremely large range with a stable population. Both the names Oriental Turtle Dove or Rufous Turtle Dove have been used for this species. It has been suggested that the name Rufous Turtle Dove should be used for the western form meena, and Oriental Turtle Dove for the nominate orientalis.
Local threats 
Indiscriminate shooting