Collared dove behaviour query

[Monkey Orchid]

Hi, folks.

I was watching the birds in our garden this morning, and noticed a collared dove sitting in the grass. It almost looked as though it was nesting, kind of flopped down close to the ground. From time to time it would lift a wing and hold it up in the air, away from its body. Then it would lower the wing again and shuffle around a little bit, still lying in the grass. It also seemed to be preening itself occasionally.

I wondered if it might be anting? I've seen film footage of jays doing this, but I didn't know what other bird species made use of ants to help with reducing mites and parasites in their plumage. We certainly have a healthy ant population in our garden, both in the grass and in large flower pots etc.

[Dorts]

I suspect it was just in a very relaxed state. Our chickens do exactly the same thing, as (sometimes it may be more comfortable sitting than standing?).

As for the anting theory. Yes, it's possible, but anting is only effective for the bird if the ants are of a species that spray formic acid when disturbed. Black Ants and Wood Ants are favourites for this. Have a look at the ground where it was sitting, are there many ants?

[tombom]

Might it be sunbathing? I know blackbirds do this and it sounds similar. Helps maintain the feathers.

[aeshna5]

I've not heard of doves anting, but certainly sounds like sun-bathing. They will also rain bathe in similar posture + will do this by garden sprinklers too.

[Monkey Orchid]

Thanks for the feedback, folks.

It sounds as though the dove may well have been sunning itself. I've seen blackbirds doing this, stretching out their wings to the side and fluffing up their feathers. I'd never seen a collared dove doing this kind of behaviour before, though - particularly lifting a wing and holding it straight up in the air.

There are large numbers of black garden ants in our lawn, so maybe they were involved as well. I'll keep watching and see if I can spot it happening again.

[kat-clark]

Hi,

I just found this thread. I have a pet collared dove that does this even at night in the house. Its really strange!

[actionfinch]

Originally Posted by kat-clark

Hi,

I just found this thread. I have a pet collared dove that does this even at night in the house. Its really strange!

bang goes the sunbathing theory , but i would think that .. i see a crow do it on top of a house opposite mine


it has intriged me now i have a regular visit by a couple of collared doves and will keep an eye out

[Rye]

I get both collared doves & wood pigeons who do this in my garden quite often. They are sunning themselves like has been mentioned above.

[StuMack]

Havent got a clue about the behaviour sorry - but i know they bloody hog the birdtable!!!

[RobinP]

Originally Posted by StuMack

Havent got a clue about the behaviour sorry - but i know they bloody hog the birdtable!!!

Not to mention the feeders! I call these two Howard and Hilda (older readers will understand).



Robin