Red-eyed Dove

Red-eyed Dove (Streptopelia semitorquata) are a large species of pigeon commonly found in sub-Saharan Africa. Similar to the laughing dove, Red-eyed Dove species is included with the “ring-necked” doves and boasts a bright red iris surrounded by featherless pink skin around the eyes. The back plumage on their necks normally has a thin white outline. The white plumage on the head gradually becomes pale pink and purple around the neck and belly, which then transitions into the classic slate gray wings. Like other species of dove, the legs and feet are a reddish-pink color that is not as bright as the skin around the eyes. Tail feathers seen from the underside are quite long and tipped with bright white while from the top appear gray and brown. Characteristic of pigeons, sexes are monomorphic and juveniles display duller or more brown plumage.