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The feeding behaviour of pigeons and doves on sown grain crops on the South African Highveld
Abstract
Feeding behaviour of pigeons
and doves on sown grain crops was studied on the South African Highveld during
1998–2002. Plots of grains (sunflower, sorghum and maize) were planted on the
farm Nooitgedacht near Heidelberg (South Africa) to study the feeding and
movement of columbids in these fields. More general studies were also conducted
across the Highveld region to determine overall crop damage. Results show that
Laughing Streptopeliasenegalensis and Red-eyed Doves S.semitorquata
as well as Rock Pigeons Columba guinea take seed directly from sunflower
and sorghum plants. This is a first formal recording of this behaviour for
Laughing and Red-eyed Doves in South Africa. Columbid populations have changed
their movements and feeding methods in recent times to exploit available grain
during the first half of the year. Unlike in Zimbabwe and Kenya, Cape Turtle Doves S. capicola were
seldom seen feeding on grain seeds in sown lands on the Highveld. Rock Pigeons
and Red-eyed Doves prefer soft sunflower seeds (about
31% moist content) relatively early in the season whereas Laughing Doves also
consume very dry seeds (about 7% moist content) later in the season. Columbids
are capable of inflicting crop damage on the Highveld; however, to get a more
reliable indication of the national crop damage more site-specific surveys will
be needed. Rock Pigeons are capable of removing the tubular florets from the
sunflower heads in order to get access to the soft seeds. However, since these
pigeons only remain for 2–3 weeks, they are probably not responsible for the
bulk of the crop damage that sunflower incurs in South Africa. Granivorous
paserienes and rodents are co-responsible for crop damage in South Africa.
Ostrich 2004, 75(1&2): 39–43
and doves on sown grain crops was studied on the South African Highveld during
1998–2002. Plots of grains (sunflower, sorghum and maize) were planted on the
farm Nooitgedacht near Heidelberg (South Africa) to study the feeding and
movement of columbids in these fields. More general studies were also conducted
across the Highveld region to determine overall crop damage. Results show that
Laughing Streptopeliasenegalensis and Red-eyed Doves S.semitorquata
as well as Rock Pigeons Columba guinea take seed directly from sunflower
and sorghum plants. This is a first formal recording of this behaviour for
Laughing and Red-eyed Doves in South Africa. Columbid populations have changed
their movements and feeding methods in recent times to exploit available grain
during the first half of the year. Unlike in Zimbabwe and Kenya, Cape Turtle Doves S. capicola were
seldom seen feeding on grain seeds in sown lands on the Highveld. Rock Pigeons
and Red-eyed Doves prefer soft sunflower seeds (about
31% moist content) relatively early in the season whereas Laughing Doves also
consume very dry seeds (about 7% moist content) later in the season. Columbids
are capable of inflicting crop damage on the Highveld; however, to get a more
reliable indication of the national crop damage more site-specific surveys will
be needed. Rock Pigeons are capable of removing the tubular florets from the
sunflower heads in order to get access to the soft seeds. However, since these
pigeons only remain for 2–3 weeks, they are probably not responsible for the
bulk of the crop damage that sunflower incurs in South Africa. Granivorous
paserienes and rodents are co-responsible for crop damage in South Africa.
Ostrich 2004, 75(1&2): 39–43
