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Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur L 27cm. Small, well-marked dove. Flight is fast and direct with flicking wingbeats. Song is distinctive. Sexes are similar. Adult has blue-grey head, neck and underparts with pinkish buff flush on breast, and white barring on neck. Back and wing coverts are chestnut: dark feather centres and pale margins create scaly appearance. Long, mainly black tail looks wedge-shaped in flight due to white corners. Juvenile is similar but duller and lacks neck markings. Voice Song is diagnostic, purring coo. Status Local summer visitor. Declining due to modern agricultural practises. Found on lowland arable farmland, scrub and downland; E England is its stronghold.
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- © Richard Revels/Nature Photographers
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