Also known as the Spotted Turtle-Dove this Asian dove was introduced into Australia in the mid-1800s and quickly became established, they are now a common sight throughout eastern Australia and around the major towns and cities in southern and south-western Australia. The species' range is expanding, often at the expense of native doves, here they are very common in streets, parks, gardens, agricultural areas and tropical scrubs.
They eat grass seeds, insects, grains and other vegetation, some seeds may be taken in trees and bushes and birds often enter animal houses, such as chicken coops, to feed on the commercial food, The birds are mostly seen in pairs or small flocks feeding on the ground.
The sexes are similar and they mate for life, breeding occurs at any time of the year with most activity from September to December, courtship includes an aerial and ground display with bowing, tail flaring and much coo-cooing. The nest is a loose platform of sticks and may be placed in a variety of locations such as trees, edge of buildings or even on the ground, both sexes share the incubation of the eggs and the rearing of the chicks.