Pigeon/Ring necked dove clapping?

[shadowx]

I cant be sure whether it is a pigeon or a ring necked dove, I cant remember now, I always used to call the doves pigeons but recently discovered their true identity, however I digress!

The birds in question will often take off from a tree or rooftop, fly upwards a short distance, stop flapping and then clap their wings underneath their bodies once or sometimes twice before continuing their flight, sometimes back to the original perch.

I think it's probably either a matting thing or a display of territory or worthiness for mating.

Am i right? Or is there something else at play?

I have seen it quite a lot and the clap is just as loud as a person clapping so it's easy to hear!

[htcdude]

Hi shadowx,

I don't know if Collared (not Ring-necked) Doves do this, but I know for sure that Wood-Pigeons will do this as part of their courtship display.

Nige

[shadowx]

Ah thanks!

It's strange to see, I assume it is the male displaying to the female?

[htcdude]

You assume correctly

Nige

[shadowx]

Damn I'm good!

Thanks for the info, something new I've learned today

[werdnal]

Our domestic pigeons do this too - a throw back to their Rock Dove ancestry. Often performed after the deed itself - sort of celebration (no ciggies available I guess )

[shadowx]

Haha, nothing like a celebratory clap in mid air eh

Show offs!

[thunder]

Originally Posted by htcdude

Hi shadowx,

I don't know if Collared (not Ring-necked) Doves do this, but I know for sure that Wood-Pigeons will do this as part of their courtship display.

Nige

Ring-necked Dove is an old-fashioned name for Wood Pigeon.

henrya

[faz]

collard dove will display rise up then down and call to each other with out the wing clapping

[Bobby D]

I guess if they've taken successful steps to procreate then it is surely worth celebrating LOL