Diamond Dove (Vict.)

An interesting sighting for the list.

Eileen Collins of Chiltern has recorded (18 August 2005) a single Diamond Dove adjacent to a wetland just south of the Murray Valley Highway about 16km west of Rutherglen, north east Victoria.  The bird was in Jones Swamp Rd. which is about 500m south of the highway.  Other birds recorded were Apostlebirds and a Swamp Harrier.

Diamond Doves are rare visitors to north east Victoria.  The Atlas of Victorian Birds (1987, p. 138) notes that 'In Victoria Diamond Doves occur in River Red Gum forests and woodlands and in towns in the Mid and Upper Murray Valley...'

The species is on the list of threatened taxa under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act and a brief Recommendation Report on the reasons for its 'listing' is available from me to those interested (please contact me directly).

Eileen last recorded Diamond Doves in the area about 15 years ago.  All the sightings (made while censusing for Grey-crowned Babblers) will be forwarded to the Atlas of Victorian Wildlife.

cheers, Martin

Martin O'Brien
Threatened Species & Communities Section
Department of Sustainability and Environment
2/8 Nicholson St., East Melbourne  3002


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