Spectacled doves

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Spectacled doves
Spectacled doves

Spectacled doves

Systematics
Class : Birds (aves)
Order : Pigeon birds (Columbiformes)
Family : Pigeons (Columbidae)
Genre : Metriopelia
Type : Spectacled doves
Scientific name
Metriopelia ceciliae
( Lesson , 1845)

The spectacled pigeon ( Metriopelia ceciliae ) is a type of pigeon bird that is part of the subfamily of American pigeons . The species occurs exclusively in South America. In German usage, the Brillentaube has a similar-sounding name. However, this species belongs to the genus of the lovebirds ( Streptopelia ).

Appearance

The eyeglass pigeon reaches a body length of 16 to 17 centimeters. The type is their body size so between that of a diamond pigeon and a turtle-dove . The body shape of the spectacle pigeon is short, the tail is short.

The plumage of the spectacled pigeons is predominantly gray-brown. The feathers of the arm wings and wing covers are darker with light gray to yellowish-brown ends, so that the wings appear strongly spotted. The light gray breast is tinged with pink in the male. In females, on the other hand, this pink shade is missing or not so pronounced. The most striking feature of the pigeon with glasses is the bright yellow eye ring, which is surrounded by another, but much narrower, black eye ring. The beak is dark. The iris is light brown.

Distribution, existence and habitat

Distribution map of the spectacled pigeons

The distribution area of ​​the pigeon pigeon extends over the north of Peru to the north-west of Chile. It is also found in the west of Bolivia and in the northwest of Argentina. The population density within this distribution area is very different. In some areas, the eyeglass pigeon is a very common species.

The habitat of the spectacled pigeons are arid and semi-arid regions. The habitat includes the Atacama Desert and dry mountain valleys located in the mountains. In Peru and Chile it is also found in the lowlands of the coast. In these two countries it has also opened up human settlement space. But it can still be found at altitudes of 4,500 meters. In Argentina it occurs only at altitudes between 2,500 and 3,500 meters. It lives almost exclusively in very rocky terrain, but also looks for food in adjacent open areas.

Way of life

The spectacle dove is a resident bird. However, the species undertakes greater high-altitude migrations every day as it roams between its resting places and its feeding grounds. The species is not very shy, but very inconspicuous. The food is sought almost exclusively on the ground. Frightened spectacle pigeons fly up with loud clapping of wings. The breeding time depends on the respective distribution area. In Chile the species breeds in March, in Peru, however, in the period July to November. The nest is built in tree hollows, rock niches and in human settlement areas on or in buildings. The clutch consists of two eggs.

Keeping in human care

Eyeglass pigeons were first brought to Europe in 1939. The world's first breeding of this species came in 1960 in the United States. The first European breeding took place in France in 1970. Spectacled pigeons need specially set up aviaries, as they can hardly hold onto branches. Aviaries for keeping require large stones, tree trunks, boards and branches as thick as an arm.

Etymology and history of research

René Primevère Lesson described the pigeon under the protonym Columba (Chamœpelia) Ceciliœ .

The term “Metriopelia” is derived from the Greek words “metrios Φαέθων ” for “modest, moderate, medium” and “peleia, πελεια ” for “dove”.

The specific epithet »Ceciliae« was given in honor of his daughter Cécile Gautrau. In his dedication, Lesson wrote:

“Cet oiseau vit au peru. Il est consacré à madame Gautrau, née Cécile Lesson. "

supporting documents

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Gibbs, p. 349
  2. ↑ Gibbs, p. 350
  3. ↑ Gibbs, p. 350
  4. ↑ Rösler, p. 207
  5. ↑ Münst, p. 88
  6. ↑ René Primevère Lesson, p. 229
  7. ↑ James A. Jobling, p. 252
  8. ↑ James A. Jobling, p. 96
  9. ↑ René Primevère Lesson, p. 230

literature

  • David Gibbs, Eustace Barnes and John Cox: Pigeons and Doves - A Guide to the Pigeons and Doves of the World . Pica Press, Sussex 2001, ISBN 90-74345-26-3 .
  • Alois Münst and Josef Wolters: Pigeons - The types of wild pigeons . 2nd expanded and revised edition, Verlag Karin Wolters, Bottrop 1999, ISBN 3-9801504-9-6 .
  • Gerhard Rösler: The wild pigeons of the earth - free living, keeping and breeding . Verlag M. & H. Schaper, Alfeld Hannover 1996, ISBN 3-7944-0184-0 .
  • James A. Jobling: Helm Dictionary of Scientific Bird Names . Christopher Helm, London 2010, ISBN 978-1-4081-2501-4 .
  • René Primevère Lesson : Descrption d'une nouvelle espèce du genre colombe . In: L'Echo du Monde Savant (=  2 ). tape 12 , no. 1 , 1845, p. 229-230 .

Web link

Commons : Spectacled Dove ( Metriopelia ceciliae )  - Collection of images, videos and audio files