I saw and photographed Barbary Doves Streptopelia 'risoria' in or
adjacent to the back garden of a house in Sampson Road, Elizabeth Grove, a
northern suburb of Adelaide, on 3 April 2009. Best views were obtained from
a pedestrian laneway linking Sampson Road to Grateley Street, entrance
opposite Patney Street (UBD 1999 Adelaide Street Directory, p. 62 A8).
Probably 12 Barbary Doves, maximum of 10 together, were seen between 16.00 &
16.30. Other birds assembling as if about to be fed included Crested Pigeons
(9), Spotted Doves (5), House Sparrows, Common Starlings, Noisy Miners and
New Holland Honeyeaters. Most of these were perched in exposed positions on
dead branches of a tallish tree whereas the Barbary Doves were secreted low
within the dense foliage of a small cypress tree overhanging the laneway
where they appeared to be sheltering from a strong cool breeze. They were
quite tame but the four birds present between 09.00 and 09.10 next morning
were less confiding. The birds were a uniform pale sandy colour all over
with a prominent black half collar around the sides and hind-neck and a
shortish tail. Thus they lacked the darker grey ventral area present in
Collared Dove S. decaocto. Some but not all birds had a pale blue wash to
some inner remiges and the base of the outer rectrices. I will post two
photographs on ABID.
I thank Tony Russell for advising that Barbary Doves were reputedly
present in a garden in nearby Sidbury Street. This was one of several sites
that I was given and the first I tried. Apparently this species is now
widespread and expanding throughout much of Adelaide.
Although a somewhat ignoble tick, this was a milestone as it took me to
810 on my list of species recorded within Australia and its Territories.
Mike Carter
30 Canadian Bay Road
Mount Eliza VIC 3930
Tel (03) 9787 7136
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