Rare Sighting of the Oriental Turtle Dove in Lahore

( All pictures are taken by me, kindly respect copyrights) 

05th October 2024 (date of sighting)

On October 5, 2024, while visiting Lahore Safari Park, I was met with an unexpected sight: a flock of six Oriental Turtle Doves, elegantly perched within the Giraffe enclave. This was a rewarding experience and a remarkable occurrence given the limited sightings of these doves in the Lahore region.

Oriental Turtle Dove: A Rare Guest in Lahore:-

The Oriental Turtle Dove (Streptopelia orientalis) is generally found in the northern regions of Pakistan—Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and the northern parts of Punjab. Among the five commonly seen dove species in Pakistan—the Eurasian Collared Dove, Red-Collared Dove, Laughing Dove, Spotted Dove, and Oriental Turtle Dove—the latter is arguably the rarest in the Lahore area. 

Historically, the Oriental Turtle Dove was documented in Lahore’s vicinity by A.J. Currie in 1916 in *The Birds of Lahore and Its Vicinity*. His account covers various bird sightings in Lahore’s outskirts, including Attari and Mureedka. Currie’s documentation, including Oriental Turtle Doves, has shaped our understanding of avian species distribution in the region. Since then, there have been few, if any, confirmed records of this species from Lahore, particularly in the age of digital photography, making this recent sighting a true milestone.

Dove Species in Pakistan:-

Each dove species in Pakistan has a particular range, adding layers of diversity to the avian ecosystem:

1. Eurasian Collared Dove and Laughing Dove are the most common doves in Pakistan, seen nearly everywhere except in Gilgit-Baltistan.

2. Red-Collared Dove is more localized, with a stronghold in Punjab and some areas of Sindh.

3. Spotted Dove is found primarily in northern Punjab and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

4. Oriental Turtle Dove typically frequents Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and northern Punjab, making my sighting in Lahore highly unexpected.

A Brief History of Vagrant Doves in Pakistan:- 

Pakistan has seen occasional vagrant sightings of European dove species in select areas like Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan, though these have been rare and largely undocumented since the early 20th century. Given the prevalence of digital cameras, recent vagrants are likely to be documented, yet sightings remain scarce. This rarity adds to the intrigue surrounding my encounter with Oriental Turtle Doves in Lahore, possibly indicating a shift in range or migratory habits.

Observing the Flock:-

The doves appeared settled, resting peacefully among the trees, their plumage blending beautifully with the surrounding greenery. Each had a mix of soft browns and subtle grays, with a characteristic black and white neck pattern distinguishing them from other doves. The flock remained undisturbed, offering ample time for observation and photography.

Significance of the Sighting:- 

This sighting reconnects us with Lahore’s ornithological past, highlighting the unexpected return of the Oriental Turtle Dove to the city. It encourages birdwatchers to continue exploring and observing changes in habitats and the dynamics of bird populations. Additionally, it provides an opportunity to reflect on Lahore's avian history. Whether this is a unique occurrence or indicative of a broader trend will be a topic of interest for future research and observation.