Brownish upperparts. Cinnamon-brown underparts. Buffy chest and belly. Gray head. Orange eye. Black nape marked with white spots. Pale brown wing coverts contrast with dark flight feathers. Long tail, which appears black with white tips during flight. Dark bill. Red feet. Juveniles lack nape collar. Sexes similar. 11 to 13 inches in length.

Suburban parks and gardens, and desert riparian areas. Native to India and Southeast Asia. Introduced in Southern California, Hawaii, northern Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand.

Nesting

1-2 white eggs. The eggs have an 14 day incubation period. Fledging occurs in 14-16 days. The nest is a shallow, flimsy platform of sticks, twigs, grasses and roots. The nest is typically built in a tree, tall bush, or on a building. The Spotted Dove is monogamous and nests throughout the entire year. Courtship display includes an aerial and ground display, which includes bowing and tail flaring.