Ringneck Dove
Streptopelia risoria
The ringneck dove, Streptopelia risoria, is the domesticated dove often called the Barbary dove or domestic ringed turtle-dove. Its background is tied to the African collared dove, and many authorities treat it as a long-established domestic form rather than a truly wild species. Most birds have a neat black half-collar on the back of the neck, soft tan or fawn plumage, and a gentle rolling coo. White, pied, peach, tangerine, and other color varieties are common in aviculture.
These doves are kept as pets, classroom birds, display birds, and small-scale breeding projects because they tame readily and pair bond strongly. They still need more than a small decorative cage: a roomy indoor cage or protected aviary, clean perches, bathing water, a seed-based diet balanced with greens and minerals, and a safe nesting setup if breeding is allowed. Pairs can raise repeated clutches, so eggs may need to be replaced with dummy eggs to prevent overproduction. Released domestic ringneck doves are vulnerable to weather and predators and should not be confused with established wild collared doves.
