Streptopelia chinensis (Scopoli, 1786)

This is a slim, long-tailed pigeon with a distinctive black-and-white chequered patch on the sides and rear of the neck. In flight this patch blends in to the spotted upper wing plumage. The head and underparts are pinkish, with pale grey face and lower abdomen. It can be found in pairs or groups in open wooded country and areas of cultivation. It can become tame, entering gardens and compounds, feeding on grain on the ground. It has the swift, strong flight characteristic of pigeons, with vigorous wing strokes, and when disturbed on the ground it takes off with an explosive flutter of wings and a quick, side-to-side rolling action. Its call is a somewhat mournful, repeated kroo-kruk-krukroo.

A slender dove with a pinkish brown body and spotted grey and brown wings. A black and white checkerboard pattern on the neck. It is one of the commonest birds in south India, and is found in all kinds of habitats from forests to urban gardens

Seen in open well-wooded and cultivated country, avoids arid tracts.

IUCN Redlist Status: Not Evaluated