Do Doves Sing? All You Need To Know
Table of Contents
Doves have significant importance in the different cultures around the world. They have been a symbol of hope and peace for more than 3000 years. This respectable title they got due to their ability to produce a song.
Although doves are not classified in the passerine or song-producing birds’ group. They are not songbirds. Their song is different from the typical high-pitched, ornate whistling tone that most of the birds produce.
They have a unique sound and noise that is different from breed to breed. Their sound is not the traditional type but the cooing noise they produce is associated with the Columbidae family.
The dove’s coos are more gentle and forlorn, especially in Mourning Dove. Their coos are not drawn out or multi-noted whistling vocalization.
What Sounds Do Doves Make?
Doves make different types of sound that can be interpreted by a human being. These synonymous and associated sounds help them observe the behaviour that goes along with the sounds. Some of them are given below:
i. Perch Coo
The closest thing a dove will get to performing what could officially be recognized as ‘song’ is their perch coo. The perch coo is the officially recognized song performed by the doves.
This type of sound is produced by males to find a match for mating or it can be stated to couple with females.
The dove produces this call when it sits in a noticeable location it comprises of a soft coo-coo followed by two or three louder coo sounds to enhance their calling effect.
ii. Nest Call
This type of sound is performed by the male in pairing. Phonetically it produces the sound with the highest note in the middle such as coo-OO-oo.
This particular call is not produced by the females instead they give a call like ohr-ohr. This call is given when the nest is built completely and has been properly protected for egg-laying.
iii. Wing Whistle
The sound produced by Dove is not limited to vocalization. This is more significant in mourning doves. They produce a loud whistling noise while taking off and landing. There may be many reasons for this call.
One is that it works to frighten any predators that might be in close premises and plan some kind of attack on them. Another reason is to give a warning call to suggest the flock mates leave the area at once.
iv. Wing Clap
The bird-like Rock Pigeon produces a distinct clap of the wings instead of the wing whistle produced by the morning dove. this is a routine courtship call performed by the males.
Some other birds also produce wing claps for example the Short-Ear Owl and the European Nightjar. If the male finds the female he would coo and sit her near then fly in the air fast and give a series of abrupt claps.
This is a signal to show that the male is ready for the court. This can be done randomly by the male in the flock to give a signal for his readiness even he has not chosen a particular female.
v. General Cooing
A high-pitched and repeated coo is produced by both males and females throughout the year in almost every hour of the day. It may consist of one and thirteen rising notes repeated at least four to five times in a minute.
Ground doves, use a version of this prolonged coo sequence while courting, pr when they are waiting for a mate to return to them, and also when completing the process of flushing from a nest.
So, doves are not a songbird but they have their range of sound and their own method of language and communication.
Share
You may also like
