Feeding Behavior

Forages mostly while walking on the ground. When not breeding, usually forages in flocks. Sometimes flutters among branches of trees or shrubs to take berries.

Eggs

2, sometimes 1. White. Incubation is by both parents, 14-18 days. Young: Both parents feed young "pigeon milk." Young leave nest at about 15-20 days, are tended by parents about another week. In Europe, reported to raise up to 6 broods per year; may also do so in Florida, where may breed almost throughout the year.

Young

Both parents feed young "pigeon milk." Young leave nest at about 15-20 days, are tended by parents about another week. In Europe, reported to raise up to 6 broods per year; may also do so in Florida, where may breed almost throughout the year.

Diet

Mostly seeds, some berries and insects. Diet in North America not yet well known. In Europe, feeds on waste grain of many cultivated crops, also seeds of many plants; eats some berries and small insects, rarely snails. Also eats bread crumbs and other foods provided by humans.

Nesting

Male displays by flying up at steep angle with noisy wingbeats, then gliding down in spiral with wings and tail fully spread, giving harsh call during glide. Also attracts female by calling and by ritualized bowing display. Nest: Male leads female to potential nest sites, female chooses. Site is in tree or shrub, sometimes on manmade structure, 6-70' (usually 10-40') above ground. Nest is flimsy platform of sticks and twigs; male gathers material, female builds.