Spotted dove - Streptopelia chinensis (Scopoli, 1786)
Global distribution: South Asia, China and Southeast Asia
Taiwan distribution: Found all around Taiwan in low-lying areas and low elevation mountainous areas.
Habitat and behavior: Broadly distributed in farmland and woodlands in low-lying areas. They can adapt well to human activity, and are often seen in urban green spaces. When people come close to them, they immediately flap their wings and fly away. They are solitary, but can gather in pairs or small groups. They are most active at dawn and dusk. In addition, they are seen perched in groups on power lines, tree branches or rooftops.
Diet: This species mostly moves slowly along the ground searching for food. It mainly feeds on seeds and has a preference for grains.
First record in Taiwan: Swinhoe, R., 1863, Ibis 1863:397
Date discovered: 1861.
Location of first discovery: Not specified.
Excerpt of summary of original text: In northern China and from Guangdong to Shanghai, there is widespread distribution of the resident bird Streptopelia chinensis. It is also the most dominant bird species on Formosa. From the series of specimens obtained from these two areas, there do not appear to be any variations. --From Development History of Birds in Taiwan by Lin Wen-Hong (1997), Taiwan Interminds Publishing.
