Distribution
In the US, dove populations are considered to be closely associated with, and possibly dependent on, people for food, water and shelter to survive in the wild.
In New Zealand, the Barbary dove was successfully introduced from 1862 to the 1920s. Small populations still persist in the wild on the North Island close to artificial food sources and where the regular additions of excaped or released birds maintain population size and survival.
In the Northern Territory, Barbary doves are established in the wild in small areas in Alice Springs and, to a lesser extent, in Darwin. These birds are not dependant on food supplied by humans; they forage like other doves, taking seeds from native plants and grain from poultry yards and other spills.
In Western Australia and Victoria, Barbary doves have been occasionally discovered in the wild but they are reported more frequently in New South Wales and South Australia.
Habitat
In its natural range the Barbary dove occurs in deserts with annual grasses, arid farmlands, thornbush scrub, dry bushlands and sandy riverbeds. In its introduced range it occurs in towns and cities, particularly in parks, gardens, along roadsides and in orchards.
Reproduction, food and behaviour
The Barbary dove builds a flimsy, open cup or platform nest in a tree or bush. Sometimes nests are also built on buildings or in hanging baskets under eaves. Two white eggs are laid. Breeding is usually during spring and summer but can occur all year.
The dove forages on the ground, eating grass seeds, berries, grains, green plant parts, snails and various insects. In rural areas, it feeds on newly-sown grain crops or stubble. In urban areas it is frequently fed by people and it freely accepts seed, bread and other off erings. It also scavenges in garbage.
In urban areas the dove perches on windowsills and other parts of houses, poles and telegraph wires. In other areas trees, thickets and shrubs are used.
The dove is usually seen in pairs or in groups of up to 25. However, in its natural range large flocks of hundreds of birds form near water and food sources at plantations and farms, while roosts may contain thousands of birds.
In the wild and in captivity, the Barbary dove can live for up to 12 years and possibly to 20 years.