Laughing Dove

The laughing dove is a small, slim, long-tailed pigeon, about 25cm long. It is pinkish brown below with a lilac-tinged head and neck, and young birds lack the chequered neck markings. It is closely related to the spotted dove, which is distinguished by a white and black chequered necklace. The call is a low, rolling chuckle, more musical than the cooing of most doves (Wikipedia, general species account).

It is found in dry scrub and semi-desert habitats, where pairs are often seen feeding on the ground, and it is fairly terrestrial, foraging in grassland and cultivation. It is usually seen in pairs or small parties, with larger groups mainly at waterholes in arid regions. Two eggs are laid a day apart and both parents build the nest, incubate and feed the young, which leave the nest after 14 to 16 days.