Barbary Dove

Streptopelia risoria is a domesticated dove with local free-living populations in New Zealand. It differs from spotted dove through its plain pale body and simple black half-collar without spotted neck patches. Most birds are cream or sandy buff with a narrow black collar. Domestic colour forms can be nearly white or darker brown.

Small populations occur locally around settlements, parks and farmyards. Their status often depends on continuing escapes or releases. They eat seeds and grain on the ground. Pairs build flimsy stick nests and give a repeated gentle coo.

Urban parks around Christchurch may hold free-living birds, but populations are changeable.