Damage by the Barbary dove
Overseas, the Barbary dove is considered a pest of agriculture when it consumes newly sown grain crops. The Barbary dove is also considered an environmental pest as it can hybridise with other Streptopelia species. In urban areas, the Barbary dove causes noise-related problems with its calling, and fouls areas with its droppings.
Its general nesting behaviour is said to be a nuisance to landholders. Control methods used for problem doves, including this species, are the use of anti-roosting products and holistic options such as provision of alternate roosts like dovecotes.
Potential to be a pest in Australia
A scientific risk assessment of the Barbary dove was conducted by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia and endorsed by the national Invasive Plants and Animals Committee. It involved careful use of available information and application of the precautionary approach and indicates that the dove poses a serious threat (the second highest of four categories) to Australia. The risk assessment rated the dove as highly likely to establish further populations here, with several areas of Australia having climates similar to the dove’s overseas range. The serious rank assigned to this species indicates that it could become a pest of agriculture, the environment and public amenity.
It is therefore important that the Barbary dove does not establish further populations in the wild in Australia and that any found here are removed quickly.
The habitats of many Australian doves and pigeons (for example, the common bronzewing, crested pigeon, diamond dove, peaceful dove) are similar to those preferred by the Barbary dove, increasing potential risks of competition for food, nesting sites and the best habitat.
Agricultural crops that could be at risk include cereals and oil seeds.
The Barbary dove could also add to the nuisance already caused in urban areas by other pest birds with its constant calling during the day, fouling of areas with its droppings and nesting behaviour.
The Barbary dove is an aviary species in Australia and a declared pest species in Western Australia. In the Northern Territory the domestic form is listed as a feral species. The very similar Eurasian collared dove (S. decaocto) is not known to be in Australia, but it is prohibited in Tasmania and is a declared pest species in Western Australia. None of these species can be imported into Australia.
Birds in captivity and their appearance in the wild
Where Barbary doves are permitted in captivity there are few, if any, requirements to ensure they remain securely in their cages. Barbary doves found in the wild in Australia have all come from captivity and escapes can occur anywhere there is human settlement and captive birds. Release of doves outside, for example for symbolic reasons or during shows involving animals, is illegal where the species is prohibited or a declared pest. Apart from the risk that new wild populations will establish, some escaped and released birds may die of starvation or exposure.
In the Northern Territory, Barbary doves in Alice Springs and Darwin have been managed by the Territory government using trapping and shooting, largely during control activities for spotted doves and feral pigeons. In Alice Springs 30 Barbary doves were trapped between 2000 and 2008. The government now provides advice to the general public on how to catch pest doves and where to surrender them.
In South Australia Barbary doves have been regularly sighted for a number of years. For example, in 2009 there were 15 reports involving 110 birds from 12 suburban locations north and south of Adelaide. The doves have also successfully bred in suburban gardens around the city.
In Victoria Barbary doves have been infrequently reported since the late 1990s and may also occasionally breed in gardens. In early 2010 a small breeding group of about 12 birds was removed from an inner suburb of Melbourne and a pair was sighted in the suburb of Brighton. The most recent report is a small breeding group located at Rutherglen, north-east of Melbourne, which authorities plan to remove.
In Western Australia Barbary doves established a small colony of about 15 birds in the eastern Perth suburb of Wattle Grove in 1975 but this was successfully removed.
Since then small numbers of birds have been reported in various Perth localities as well as in the north-west town of Karratha.
In New South Wales Barbary doves have been occasionally reported in the wild since 1946, including a recent sighting beside the Goulburn River near Ulan, north-west of Sydney.
Declared pest category
The Western Australian Organism List (WAOL) contains information on the area(s) in which this pest is declared and the control and keeping categories to which it has been assigned in Western Australia (WA). Use the links on this page to reach Barbary dove in WAOL.
Risk management
To help prevent the Barbary dove from establishing further populations in the wild and becoming a pest in Australia, it is essential that it is maintained in secure (preferably double-doored) aviaries. Unwanted Barbary doves should be surrendered to the authorities or a responsible organisation, not released into the wild. People should not feed doves in the wild as this helps escaped aviary birds to survive and feed.
Any Barbary doves seen in the wild should be immediately reported to the nearest relevant government department or wildlife authority on Freecall 1800 084 881 so that appropriate action can be taken.