Zebra Dove in Sonder Farm Forest of Minahasa Highland

This is the photograph of Zebra Dove (Geopelia striata) that I took while doing a morning birdwatching walk along the farm forest of Sonder town in Minahasa highland of Indonesia. 

Zebra Dove

When I saw the bird, it was walking on the ground at a roadside. I tried to walk closer. Perhaps, the bird felt intimidated, so, it flew and landed on a branch of a tree. However, it was still within the reach of my camera. I made several pictures of the bird.

Some birds in the farmland of Sonder town

I also saw several other species such as Purple Heron, Collared Kingfisher, Brown-throated Sunbird, Hair-crested Drongo (white-eye), Sooty-headed Bulbul and Finch-billed Myna. 

When I walked deeper and longer into the forest, I could see more interesting species such as Yellow-billed Malkoha, Sulawesi Myzomela, Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Gray-sided Flowerpecker, Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker, Crimson Sunbird, Mountain White-eye, Black-crowned White-eye and etc. 

A lot of people in Indonesia keep this bird in cage as pet. In certain cities in Indonesia, they conduct sound contest of their zebra doves. As the prize, winners get car, motorcycle, tv, fans and gas stove or money. 

The Zebra Dove: A Gentle Songbird of the Tropics

The Zebra Dove (Geopelia striata) is a small, graceful bird known for its soft, melodious calls and beautifully patterned plumage. Native to Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia, the Zebra Dove has also been introduced to many other tropical regions, including Hawaii and parts of the Pacific Islands, where it has adapted well to urban and rural settings alike.

Appearance

Zebra Doves are easily recognized by their slender bodies and long tails. Their plumage features a delicate blend of browns and grays, with distinctive black-and-white barring across the neck, chest, and wings — a pattern that gives the bird its common name. The underparts are generally pinkish-gray, and their eyes are pale blue or gray, adding to their gentle appearance.

Behavior and Habitat

These doves are ground feeders and are often seen foraging for seeds and small insects in open spaces, roadsides, gardens, and parks. They are known for their calm temperament and tend to be solitary or found in pairs rather than large flocks.

Zebra Doves are especially known for their pleasant, cooing song, which is soft, rhythmic, and repetitive — a sound that is often associated with peace and serenity in the tropics.

Breeding and Nesting

Zebra Doves breed throughout the year in favorable climates. They build simple nests from twigs and grass, usually placed in bushes, trees, or even in man-made structures. Both the male and female share responsibilities in incubating the eggs and feeding the young.

Cultural Significance

In some parts of Southeast Asia, the Zebra Dove is prized for its voice, and dove song contests are popular. In these competitions, birds are judged on the quality, clarity, and rhythm of their calls. As a result, some people keep these birds as pets, though they are also widely appreciated in the wild for their natural presence and song.

Conservation

Currently, the Zebra Dove is not considered threatened and is classified as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN. Their adaptability to human environments and diverse food sources contributes to their stable population. However, like all wildlife, they benefit from healthy ecosystems and thoughtful coexistence with humans.


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Conclusion

The Zebra Dove is a charming representative of the avian world, admired for both its appearance and gentle vocalizations. Whether seen perched quietly on a branch or heard cooing softly in the morning, this bird adds a serene touch to the landscapes it inhabits.

If you are interested in taking a birdwatching tour in this North Sulawesi Province of Indonesia and want me to organize your tour, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by  whatsapp to +6281332245180 or by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com.