Category:Turtledove

Tur"tle*dove`, n. Etym: [see 1ts turtle.]

1. (zoöl.)

Defn: any one of numerous species of pigeons belonging to turtur and Allied genera, native of various parts of the old world; especially, The common European species (turtur vulgaris), which is noted for its plaintive note, affectionate disposition, and devotion to its mate.

Note: the South African turtledove (t. albiventris), and the ashy turtledove of India (t. rubicolus), are similar to the European species in their habits.

2. (zoöl.)

Defn: any one of several species of pigeons more or less resembling the true turtledoves, as the american mourning dove (see under dove), and the Australian turtledove (stictopelia cuneata).

Note: the turtledove of the Scriptures is probably turtur risorius, a species which is still plentiful in Egypt and other eastern countries. It is closely allied to the European turtledove.