Diamond Dove

Diamond Dove key facts

Care level

Beginner-friendly

Lifespan

8-12 years

Size

19-21cm

Diet

Small seeds, fine grit (for digestion)

Housing

Use a wide cage with plenty of floor area so the bird can walk around. It loves bathing, so keep a shallow water dish available at all times.

Diet & Feeding

Feed small seeds such as millet as the staple, with greens plus oyster shell and cuttlebone for calcium. Also provide fine grit for digestion.

Tank Mates & Compatibility

Extremely gentle and can be hand-tamed; it generally gets along well with finches and parakeets.

Breeding & Egg-laying

Breeds readily in pairs. Calcium deficiency leads to egg-laying problems, so be especially diligent with calcium during breeding.

Noise

Quiet cooing. No neighbor issues

Notes

Weak flyer — floor space more important than height

About Diamond Dove

The Diamond Dove is one of the world's smallest doves, with grey plumage dotted in white and a calm, gentle temperament. Its soft cooing call and beginner-friendly nature make it easy to keep. Lifespan is 8-12 years, adult size about 19-21 cm.

7 things to know before welcoming a Diamond Dove

1. 1A Spacious Enough Cage

   Despite their small size, Diamond Doves enjoy flying, so choose a cage with enough depth for short flights. Adding perches at different heights gives them a choice of resting spots.

2. 2A Gentle, Quiet Call

   Diamond Doves make a soft "coo-coo" sound and rarely vocalize loudly. This makes them a relatively easy choice for apartment living in terms of noise.

3. 3A Diet of Small Seeds

   Their main diet consists of small seeds. You'll also need to keep fine grit available in a separate dish to aid digestion.

4. 4A Social Nature

   Doves are naturally social birds, and Diamond Doves often relax more easily when kept in pairs or small groups. If keeping just one, make time for daily interaction.

5. 5Keep Them Warm

   Diamond Doves prefer a warm climate, so managing room temperature in winter matters. Avoid placing the cage where cold drafts from windows can reach it directly.

6. 6Easy to Tame

   Many individuals are calm and tame easily, making them a good fit for first-time bird owners. Still, take things slowly and build trust at their own pace.

7. 7A Long-Term Companion

   With a lifespan of 8 to 12 years, they live relatively long for a small bird. Before bringing one home, make sure you can commit to consistent care for that whole span.

Frequently asked questions about Diamond Dove

Q.Is the Diamond Dove suitable for first-time bird owners?

A.Yes, they are generally considered beginner-friendly thanks to their calm temperament and quiet call. Learning the basics of their care beforehand will help you get started smoothly.

Q.How big does a Diamond Dove get?

A.Adults reach an overall length of about 19 to 21 cm. They are considered one of the smallest dove species in the world.

Q.How long do Diamond Doves typically live?

A.Their typical lifespan is 8 to 12 years. Consistent, appropriate daily care helps support a long and healthy life.

Q.What should I know about feeding a Diamond Dove?

A.Their main diet is small seeds, but you also need to provide fine grit separately to aid digestion. Always keep fresh water available as well.

Q.Are there legal requirements for keeping a Diamond Dove?

A.The Diamond Dove is not subject to CITES. That said, it's still worth preparing a suitable living environment before bringing one home.

Useful tools for Diamond Dove care

Learn more about Diamond Dove in the encyclopedia

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