© Elena / stock.adobe.com
The Diamond Dove gets its name from the white spots on its plumage.
Easily recognisable by their white-speckled wings and the orange ring around their eyes, the diamond dove is a noteworthy exotic petite pigeon hailing from Australia. Nowadays, bird enthusiasts and hobby breeders around the world delight over these sociable birds.
The diamond dove is among the smallest species of pigeons worldwide. These delicate creatures achieve a body length of about 20 centimetres and a weight of approx. 45 grams, roughly the same size as a lark.
Their plumage ranges from grey to brown, and there are now a variety of bred colour variations. It’s the white speckles on the plumage that have earned the diamond dove its name. The gender differences between males and females in this species are generally not pronounced. However, females often have a slightly higher brown proportion in their feathers than males.
A defining feature of the diamond dove is its orange-red iris and the vivid orange ring surrounding the eyes. The narrow, pointed beak is about five centimetres long and is olive-brown to grey-brown in colour.
While diamond doves do not generally become truly tame, they can become quite trusting when given species-appropriate care and handled calmly by their owner.
Diamond doves are sociable birds that, in the wild, live in pairs or small flocks. Therefore, as pets, they must have at least one fellow species member by their side.
It’s advisable to keep a mixed-sex pair or exclusively females. If male diamond doves are kept together, there should be no female within calling range; otherwise, this may lead to aggressive competitive behaviours among the males.
The call of the small, delicate diamond dove is quite soft. Especially during the mating season, the plaintive cooing of the male can be heard, which is answered by the female with a harsh, drawn-out call.
Diamond doves are a favourite among bird keepers of small pigeons. The animals need a spacious aviary and daily free flight or their own bird room with a sleeping cage.
Diamond doves are not very sensitive and can be kept outdoors all year round, provided they have access to a heated retreat.
The temperature inside their shelter should be at least 10 degrees Celsius.
Some countries prescribe a minimum size for enclosures. For example, Austrian animal husbandry regulations require a floor space of at least 1.6 square metres and a height of one metre for the keeping of small pigeons.
In the absence of legal regulations, the principle remains: the more space the doves have available, the better. These agile and proficient flyers desire to exhibit their natural behaviours even in human care.
As mentioned earlier, diamond doves must be kept in pairs at the very least. If the aviary or bird room is sufficiently large, they can also be housed with other species like budgerigars.
In nature, diamond doves and budgerigars share a habitat – both are native to Australia. However, diamond doves need plenty of hiding and retreat spaces to move away from their feathered cohabitants when necessary.
The little pigeons primarily feast on seeds such as millet, hemp, and flaxseed. These can be offered in the form of food mixes. As diamond doves in the wild search for food on the ground, the food dish can be placed on the floor of the aviary.
Along with grass seeds, the birds also eat fresh food like lettuce, fruits, vegetables, and herbs. They consume calcium through cuttlebone or grit.
Particularly during the moulting period, they also need additional animal-based protein, like soft food such as mealworms. Fresh water must always be available to the diamond doves.
A diverse aviary setup includes multiple perches of various diameters, positioned at different heights. Additionally, a few fresh, unsprayed branches from deciduous trees can be added as enrichment and nesting material.
For more variety, swings, ropes, and/or species-appropriate wooden toys are beneficial. However, mirrors and plastic birds are considered inhumane and shouldn’t be in the cage. For indoor maintenance, a flicker-free bird lamp with UV content is also recommended.
In their native country of Australia, the birds thoroughly enjoy sand baths. Thus, a tray filled with fine sand should be provided for feather care.
A special bird bathtub is not necessary for diamond doves, as they tend to avoid water. The basic equipment also includes food and water bowls, a hayrack, and absorbent bedding.
If a suitable location for the aviary is chosen, these robust birds rarely become ill. The bird home should be in a bright, quiet spot without drafts, offering both shady and sunny areas.
In their natural habitat in Australia, the birds relish in extensive sunbathing on the ground.
With proper care, diamond doves can live to about ten years old. In rare cases, they may even reach 15 or 20 years.
Symptoms of illness include ragged or fluffed-up plumage, lethargy, and altered droppings.
If illness is suspected, the affected diamond dove should be shown to an avian veterinarian.
Diamond doves are native to Australia. With the exception of Tasmania and some coastal areas, they inhabit nearly the entire continent. The species is not considered endangered, and international trade is not restricted.
In the mid-19th century, exotic diamond doves were first kept in the London Zoo. In 1875, this small pigeon with its interestingly coloured feathers was introduced to Germany.
Since then, it has become one of the most popular pigeon species among ornamental bird lovers. These attractive pigeons are also exhibited in many zoos.
© Charlotte B / stock.adobe.com
Bird breeding is a popular hobby. Breeders often have one or more of them available for re-homing.
The price per bird is about £10 to £20, depending on the desired colour variant and gender. However, rare variants like pied can be more expensive.
Those wishing to purchase diamond doves may also turn to animal shelters or exotic rescue centres. Even in animal welfare, exotic birds are occasionally re-homed to responsible keepers. The carers are more than happy to advise on selecting the right birds and their needs.
| Quick Info: | Diamond doves are small, graceful pigeons from Australia. They are kept in spacious aviaries or bird rooms as ornamental birds – either in pairs or small flocks. |
| Scientific Name: | Geopelia cuneata |
| Body Length: | approx. 20cm |
| Weight: | approx. 45g |
| Average Lifespan: | 10 years, occasionally up to 20 years |
| Price: | from approx. £10 |
| Behaviour: | sociable, diurnal, agile, not typically aggressive |
| Plumage: | Wild-type grey to brown, other breeding forms available |
| Distinctive Features: | white speckled feathers, orange eye ring |
| Care Requirements: | moderate |
| Need for Exercise: | high |
| Origin: | Australia |
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