Rare Birds in Spain Blog

  Spilopelia senegalensis , Eivissa, 17.3.2023 © Ricard Gutiérrez   On 17 March 2023, four adult Laughing Doves Spilopelia senegalensis were seen near Cal Guerxo, Sant Josep de Sa Talaia, Eivissa, Balearic Islands (Ricard Gutiérrez, Vanessa Cadenas, Ramón Ruiz-Jarillo, Diego García-Ferré, Balma Albalat, Santiago Palazón). Several photos were obtained and the list was uploaded to eBird. At least there were two different males and one confirmed female. We observed territorial behaviour between both males despite in a particular moment (photo above) all four birds shared a single almond-tree branch. No sign of captivity in the plumage of the birds was noted, with wings and tail in good condition (see enclosed photos). The habitat was a low density periurban area, which includes a school, a football court and a number of scattered houses sorrounded by Mediterranean dryland cultivations.  Birds were seen in close comparison to Collared Doves Streptopelia decaocto and apparently they gathe