Diamond Doves

(Geopelia Cuneata)

Description: Diamond Doves have a Blue-Gray color on their head extending down the neck to the breast. The back and wings are Brown-Gray in color while the underbelly is white. The wings are spotted with white and it is said mature males have more white spots on the wings than hens. The sexes look similar but in mature birds a difference in eye ring size can be noted, the males eye rings being larger and more prominant. There are many various color mutations with different apperances.

Size: This particular Dove averages 7-8 inches (18-20cm) including a tail length of aproximatley 4 inches (10cm).

Origin: These birds originated in Australia but are now domesticated in many parts of the U.S.

Mutations/Sub-species: Diamond Doves come in a variety of mutations including: Cinnamon, Peach, White, Silver, Yellow, Rufous, Red, Ocher, Brillant, and Pied. They also come in a White-Rump and a White-Tail form. Some of these various colors where produced by combining mutations together. See all these mutations on the International Dove Society homepage.

Diet: A good diet for Diamond Doves consist of a basic Finch mix, Quail pellets, egg food and occasional green food.

General Care: These Doves are a low maintence and free breeding speices.

Compatibility: Diamond Doves are well suited for a mixed aviary of seed eaters. They are peaceful to all other birds except males of thier own species. I have housed many pair of Diamond Doves together in an aviary and the males did bicker but no physical damage resulted aside from a few plucked feathers. However, best results will be accomplished by seperating pairs.

Housing: While this species can be successfully maintained in bare aviaries or flight cages, we get best breeding results by housing them in an aviary with access to the ground. These birds like to spend a lot of time on the ground or on other flat surfaces so be sure to provide these. They do perch and must be provided with numerous perches throughout the aviary. The aviary dose not require a lot of heat in winter but it should not remain damp.

Song: Both male and hen can "coo" and make other laughing (alarm) sounds but only the male will preform the mating "coo"

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Breeding: Diamond Doves are free breeders and excellent parents. The male will show intrest in the female by bowing towards her and fanning his tail feathers while singing the "mating coo". Normaly, two eggs are laid and incubated by both parents for 14 days. Young develope quickly and fledge in a matter of 12 days. They can produce 3-4 clutches in a bredding season.