The Turtle Dove is named, in English and Latin, after the black feathers bordered with reddish brown on its wings, reminiscent of tortoiseshell.
It has a black and white striped neck patch.

The eyes are red bordered with dark pink eyeliner.

The Turtle Dove has a black tail bordered with white.
Turtle Doves migrate south to Africa in winter.
They used to be common in northern Europe in summer but thousands are shot every year on
their return over Malta, Cyprus and Italy for "sport" and now they are increasingly scarce.
It is a medium-sized, delicate dove slightly smaller than the Collared Dove.