Common name: Laughing Dove
Scientific name: Spilopelia senegalensis
Family: Columbidae

Size:
Body length: 23–27 cm
Wingspan: 40–45 cm
Weight: approximately 71–100 g

Identification:
A small, slender and relatively long-tailed dove. Adults are mainly warm reddish-brown, with a pinkish head, neck and breast and a distinctive black-and-rufous speckled patch on the front and sides of the neck. The wings show a blue-grey panel, while the belly and undertail are pale to white. Juveniles are duller and lack the distinctive neck patch.

Habitat:
A highly adaptable species found in gardens, parks, farms, plantations, palm groves, oases, villages and urban areas. It also occupies arid landscapes where trees, shrubs, cultivated vegetation or reliable water sources are available.

Status in the UAE:
A common and widespread resident breeding species in the UAE, occurring in urban, agricultural and naturally vegetated areas. Breeding in the country is confirmed by the UAE bird checklist.

Diet:
Feeds mainly on small seeds from grasses and other plants, usually collected from the ground. It may also take some fruits and insects.

Behavior:
Primarily active during the day and usually seen alone, in pairs or in small groups, although larger numbers may gather around water or abundant food sources. It spends much of its feeding time walking on the ground and readily adapts to human-modified environments.

Conservation Status:
Global: Least Concern (LC)
UAE National Red List: Least Concern (LC)