What do Spotted Doves eat? An analysis of their dietary habits

The Spotted Dove, also known as the Gucha, Guni, Zhongban, Huabanjiu, Huabobanjiu, Zhenzhujiu, Banjingjiu, Zhujingge, and Banjia, is a common species of dove distributed across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the vast areas of southern China.

What do Spotted Doves eat?

Spotted Doves feed mainly on plant seeds, especially crop seeds such as rice, corn, wheat, peas, soybeans, kidney beans, rapeseed, sesame, sorghum, mung beans, and so on. They sometimes also eat animal-based foods such as maggots, snails, and insects.

Foraging habits of the Spotted Dove

Spotted Doves usually leave their roosting trees after daybreak to forage on the ground. Before leaving their roosting sites, they often call for a while. Foraging activity is most active from 7 to 9 in the morning and from 3 to 5 in the afternoon.

Distribution range of the Spotted Dove

1. Distribution in China: Found throughout central and southern China, west to western Sichuan and Yunnan, north to southern Hebei and Shandong, and south to Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, China, and Hainan Island.

2. Other distribution: Found in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Indochina, and Indonesia; has been introduced to Australia and the United States.