We've gotten questions like these and many more sent to the A.D.A., the Doves-Pigeons OneList and my web site (www.diamonddove.com). Through a series of articles, I will try to share some of my experiences and knowledge on Diamond Doves and their keeping. I do not claim to be an expert; however I do admit to a great passion and love for Diamond Doves. I collect, read and re-read all I can on them and their relatives as well as discuss and compare experiences with as many fellow keepers as I can. I have spent countless hours observing and recording the keeping and breeding of Diamond Doves. I have kept pigeons and doves for some 25 years now, Diamond Doves for the past 15.

I have found there are about as many opinions on Diamond Dove keeping as there are keepers. What I will share is not gospel, simply my opinion. Keeping an open mind, I am always receptive to expanding or correcting my knowledge on Diamond Doves. I have never met a Diamond Dove yet that read the same books as I have, and as living things, they always seem to find exception to the rules. In these articles, I will try to address Diamond Doves, their behavior, preparing for and selecting them, housing, feeding, breeding and genetics.

Diamond Dove, (Geopelia cuneata), is one of the smallest species of Doves, measuring approx. 7.5 inches and weighing approx. 1.5 ounces. The original or wild type is a slate gray and brown over the upper body, lighter blue-gray on the under lines. The shoulders are set off by small white dots ringed in dark gray. It is from these dots that the "Diamond" comes from. The primary flight feathers are a rust-red edged in gray, showing a rusty flush when in flight. The tail goes from slate gray towards the rump to a very dark gray on the ends of the central feathers. The outer tail feathers end in white showing a white edging all around the tail. They have red eyes encircled by a distinctive fleshy red ring. The hens usually show more brown over the head, neck and upper body. The eye ring is usually more pronounced in the males.

Diamond Doves are native to northern and central Australia. Found mainly in pairs, sometimes in small flocks, they are monogamous, that is mating for life. They feed on grass seeds and can be seen running along the ground with a bobbing motion from their long tail. They seem to prefer open terrain close to a water source. They are a hardy bird, easily kept and bred in captivity, with the first recorded captive breeding in Europe in 1870. They have been bred for so many generations that they are often considered semi-domesticated and an excellent bird for the beginner hobbyist. A few interesting characteristics are the fact that they are one of the few birds able to place their beaks in water and suck the water up versus scooping and tilting the head back, and they rest pulling their heads down to their shoulders versus tucking it under a wing.

As pets, Diamond Doves will reward their keepers with a soft mournful cooing, gentle nature and may even roost on your shoulder. With minimal space (2' x 2' per pair), good sunlight, fresh water, mixed finch seed, fine grit and nesting materials, Diamond Doves should thrive and breed, raising multiple pairs of chicks each year. They often live for 8 to 12 years under good conditions in captivity. As all living things, they require attention. Although very easy to keep, they require routine care and should not be considered if the time can not be committed.

Patience and observation are the two most important traits for a dove keeper. With these traits, you will truly be able to enjoy and learn from your Diamond Doves. In the next issue, I will address Preparing for and Selecting your Diamond Doves.

Jeff Downing